Galileo is often claimed by scientists to be the first modern physicist, and because of his conflict with the Catholic Church is seen as a heroic figure fighting for the independence of pure science. Brecht, in his playGalileo, has presented a revisionist view of Galileo. This view developed over several versions of the play, and finally used him as a symbol for all scientists who reject social responsibility for their work. Is this revisionist view of Galileo any more distorted than the portrayal of him as the patron saint of modern science?