Philosophy Book
Chapter Thirty: Albert Einstein
Brief Biography of Albert Einstein: Summary of Ideas, Portrait & Quotes
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 Einstein
Albert 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)
A 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)
Philosophy Book
Philosophical Sketches: Chapter Headings & Content Summary
Publisher / Online Bookstore Details
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
Related Pages: Albert Einstein
We also have a nice philosophy web page on Albert Einstein;
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/albert-einstein-biography-pictures.htm
RSS
"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. ...
