The Background of Modern Science 13 



the development of Western civilization from the time of 

 Galileo to the present. Both points of view have, in fact, 

 contributed importantly to our thoughts on many subjects. 

 At the present time it appears to most of us that the point 

 of view represented by Gahleo has had rather the best of 

 the argument when it comes to explaining the behavior 

 of inanimate nature and the physical and chemical aspects 

 of life. Nevertheless, the deep conviction of those who 

 follow the Natural Law that there is an order to nature 

 has also played a crucial role in the development of 

 science as well as of social and poUtical life in the West. 

 The modern scientist may differ a good bit from Aristotle 

 and St. Thomas as to the best ways of discovering, describ- 

 ing, and explaining this order, but he is equally convinced 

 that such an order exists. 



