This webpage contains a brief overview of the recently published
book 'Philosophical Sketches'. Below you will find a short Chapter summary
on Albert Einstein, the book cover and back page text, links to other book
chapters, and introduction. You can buy this book online at our Cafepress
Philosophy
Book Shop (Book Details: 90 pages, 30 full page portraits, 8.5 inches
by 11 inches, $19.50 USD)
Hope you find it interesting,
Geoff Haselhurst & Karene Jade Howie
Chapter
Thirty: Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein was a German-born Jewish theoretical physicist
of Swiss and American citizenship, who is widely regarded as the greatest
scientist of the 20th century. He proposed the theory of relativity and
also made major contributions to the development of quantum mechanics, statistical
mechanics, and cosmology. In 1905, while working as a Patent clerk in Bern,
Einstein published three articles that provided the foundation of modern
physics, on Brownian motion, the photoelectric effect, and special relativity.
After his general theory of relativity (1915, on gravitation and how matter
curves the dimensions of space-time) was confirmed by measurements on the
curvature of light past the sun (Arthur Eddington, 1919), Einstein became
world famous, an unusual achievement for a scientist.
He was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics for his explanation of the
photoelectric effect in 1905 (his "miracle year") and "for his
services to Theoretical Physics". This is ironic, not only because Einstein
is far better-known for relativity, but also because the photoelectric effect
is a quantum phenomenon, and Einstein never believed in the discrete ‘particle’ concept
of light and matter (the foundation of quantum theory). His theory of general
relativity assumes that matter and space are united, and can be represented
by continuous fields in ‘space-time’. ... (see book for more)
When forced to summarize the general theory of relativity in one sentence: Time and space and gravitation have no separate existence from matter. … Physical objects are not in space, but these objects are spatially extended (as fields). In this way the concept 'empty space' loses its meaning. … The field thus becomes an irreducible element of physical description, irreducible in the same sense as the concept of matter (particles) in the theory of Newton.
The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty and Truth.
Communities tend to be guided less than individuals by conscience and a sense of responsibility. How much misery does this fact cause mankind! It is the source of wars and every kind of oppression, which fill the earth with pain, sighs and bitterness.
It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it. (Albert Einstein)
Philosophical
SketchesA lively and concise journey through the central
ideas of thirty famous philosophers. From ancient Indian, Greek and Chinese
Philosophy to modern Western Philosophy, this book explores the changing
foundations of human knowledge and their effect on how we think and live.
Includes full page portraits, brief biographies and selected quotes from
some of the greatest minds of human history on the universal subjects of
Truth, Reality, Nature, Cosmos, Wisdom, Morality, Mind, Education, Politics,
Art, Religion & God.
Written for the lay person, while remaining true to the original ideas, this
is an engaging account of the Metaphysical foundations of Philosophy that is
both illuminating and thought provoking. (Cover Photograph: Plato & Aristotle
- The School of Athens by Raphael)
Space
and Motion Publications
Online print on demand publishers of books on;
Philosophy, Physics, Metaphysics, Truth, Reality, Evolution, Ecology, Nature,
Education, Politics, Fine Art, Erotic Art, Nature, Cosmos, Wisdom, Morality,
Mind, Religion & God.
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/books/online-book-publishing.htm
We also have a nice philosophy web page on Albert Einstein;
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/albert-einstein-biography-pictures.htm
"When
forced to summarize the general theory of relativity in one sentence: Time
and space and gravitation have no separate existence from matter. ... Physical
objects are not in space, but these objects are spatially extended.
In this way the concept 'empty space' loses its meaning. ... The particle
can only appear as a limited region in space in which the field strength
or the energy density are particularly high. ...
The free, unhampered exchange of ideas and scientific conclusions
is necessary for the sound development of science, as it is in all spheres
of cultural life. ... We must not conceal from ourselves that no
improvement in the present depressing situation is possible without a severe
struggle; for the handful of those who are really determined to do something
is minute in comparison with the mass of the lukewarm and the misguided.
...
Humanity is going to need a substantially new way of thinking if
it is to survive!" (Albert Einstein)
Our world is in great trouble due to human
behaviour founded on myths and customs that are causing the destruction
of Nature and climate
change. We can now deduce
the most simple science theory of reality - the wave structure of matter
in space. By understanding how we and everything around us are interconnected
in Space we can then deduce solutions to the fundamental problems of
human knowledge in physics,
philosophy, metaphysics,
theology,
education,
health, evolution
and ecology, politics
and society.
This is the profound new way of thinking that Einstein
realised, that we exist as spatially extended structures of the universe
- the discrete and separate body an illusion. This simply confirms the intuitions
of the ancient
philosophers and mystics.
Given the current censorship
in physics / philosophy of science journals (based on the standard
model of particle physics / big
bang cosmology) the internet is the best hope for getting new knowledge
known to the world. But that depends on you, the people who care about science
and society, realise the importance of truth and reality.
It is easy to help - just click on the social network sites (below) or grab
a nice image / quote you like and add it to your favourite blog,
wiki or forum. We are listed as one of the top
philosophy sites on the Internet (300,000 page views / week) and have
a wonderful collection of knowledge from the greatest minds in human history,
so people will appreciate your contributions. Thanks! Geoff
Haselhurst - Karene
Howie - Email
Come and say hello to Geoffrey - Support simple sensible science that works.