I think those are good lessons to learn from the episode, but it should be pointed out that Copernicus’ model also required epicycles in order to achieve approximately the same predictive accuracy as the most widely used Ptolemaic systems. Sometimes later, Kepler-inspired corrected versions of Copernicus’ model, are projected back into the past making the history both less accurate and interesting, but more able fit a simplistic morality tale.
I think those are good lessons to learn from the episode, but it should be pointed out that Copernicus’ model also required epicycles in order to achieve approximately the same predictive accuracy as the most widely used Ptolemaic systems. Sometimes later, Kepler-inspired corrected versions of Copernicus’ model, are projected back into the past making the history both less accurate and interesting, but more able fit a simplistic morality tale.