Albert Albert

Einstein Einstein (1879-1955) (1879-1955)

–– a radical a radical

- - in science in science

andandin politicsin politics

SFU, Surrey SFU, Surrey campuscampus

(October 2015)(October 2015)

Einstein’s student years: Einstein’s student years: obstacles for a possible academic careerobstacles for a possible academic career A Jew (non-observant). De-facto

discrimination for academic jobs Renounced his German citizenship. Took

years to obtain a Swiss one. Studied in a “provincial” Zurich

Polytechnikum. Autodidact. Had strained relations with his professors

and was not appointed to an Assistant position. Found a non-academic job as a patent expert 3rd class.

Eventually defended his PhD at Zurich University, rather than with one of the major German professors at an established “school.”

Specialized in theoretical, rather than the much more prestigious at the time, experimental physics.

Some of the fin-de-siècle discoveries that Some of the fin-de-siècle discoveries that challenged established theories and challenged established theories and provoked the talk of a “crisis” and a provoked the talk of a “crisis” and a possible radical revision of fundamental possible radical revision of fundamental concepts in physics concepts in physics

- X-rays (1895), - X-rays (1895), Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923) Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923)

- Radioactivity from uranium ores (1896), - Radioactivity from uranium ores (1896), Henri Becquerel (1852-1908) Henri Becquerel (1852-1908)

By 1900, discovery of the electron and successes of By 1900, discovery of the electron and successes of electromagnetic theory inspired hopes that electricity may be electromagnetic theory inspired hopes that electricity may be the most fundamental, unifying concept of all physics, and that the most fundamental, unifying concept of all physics, and that electromagnetic view of the world can replace the earlier, electromagnetic view of the world can replace the earlier, mechanical picture of the world.mechanical picture of the world.

Hendrick Antoon Lorentz (1853-1928)Hendrick Antoon Lorentz (1853-1928) - The electron theory (Maxwell’s electromagnetic field combined - The electron theory (Maxwell’s electromagnetic field combined

with the concept of electron as a particle) with the concept of electron as a particle) - Electron theories of atomic spectra (the Zeeman effect)- Electron theories of atomic spectra (the Zeeman effect)- Michelson experiment and contraction of moving bodies- Michelson experiment and contraction of moving bodies- The Lorentz Transformation and the concept of local time - The Lorentz Transformation and the concept of local time

HenriHenri

Electromagnetic View of NatureElectromagnetic View of Nature

Henri Poincaré (1854-1912)Henri Poincaré (1854-1912)

- Physics as built upon several universal - Physics as built upon several universal principles, including the principle of principles, including the principle of relativity.relativity.

- Instrumental procedures for - Instrumental procedures for measurements of time and for measurements of time and for coordination of clocks.coordination of clocks.- Diagnosed the Crisis in Physics as the - Diagnosed the Crisis in Physics as the inadequacy of old mechanistic theories to inadequacy of old mechanistic theories to account for the new phenomena (electron, account for the new phenomena (electron, radioactivity and quanta). radioactivity and quanta).

Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity (1905) combined and generalized (1905) combined and generalized important insights by Lorentz, Poincaré, important insights by Lorentz, Poincaré, and Mach. and Mach.

Ernst Mach (1838-Ernst Mach (1838-1916), 1916), physicist and physicist and philosopher. philosopher. Criticized Newton’s Criticized Newton’s absolute space and absolute space and time as time as “metaphysical,” “metaphysical,” i.e. non-scientific, non-i.e. non-scientific, non-empirical assumptions.empirical assumptions.

But rather than committing himself to But rather than committing himself to the electromagnetic ontology of the electromagnetic ontology of nature, Einstein relied on the laws and nature, Einstein relied on the laws and results of electromagnetic theory for results of electromagnetic theory for the purpose of rethinking the classical the purpose of rethinking the classical Newtonian concepts of time, space, Newtonian concepts of time, space, and motion.and motion.

Einstein’s “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies” (1905): Physics of Principles, modeled on such examples as the principle of Physics of Principles, modeled on such examples as the principle of energy conservation.energy conservation. Postulate 1. Principle of relativity: Postulate 1. Principle of relativity: Physical laws are invariant for all Physical laws are invariant for all inertial frames of reference (This had been established in mechanics, inertial frames of reference (This had been established in mechanics, but Einstein held it true for electromagnetic as well as all other but Einstein held it true for electromagnetic as well as all other physical laws.)physical laws.)

Postulate 2Postulate 2 (derived, or generalized, from Michelson‘s experiment). (derived, or generalized, from Michelson‘s experiment). The The speed of light is constant speed of light is constant for the moving and for the non-moving for the moving and for the non-moving observerobserver. .

A counterintuitive consequesce: for the observer in the moving train, A counterintuitive consequesce: for the observer in the moving train, light hits both walls of the car simultaneously, but for observer light hits both walls of the car simultaneously, but for observer standing on the station, light hits the rear wall first, and the front wall standing on the station, light hits the rear wall first, and the front wall only later.only later.

Special Theory of Relativity, as formulated by Einstein in 1905: Special Theory of Relativity, as formulated by Einstein in 1905: - Time and simultaneity are not absolute. These basic - Time and simultaneity are not absolute. These basic concepts are introduced operationally: we can define what concepts are introduced operationally: we can define what time is only by designing an instrumental method of its time is only by designing an instrumental method of its measurement and of coordination of clocks. measurement and of coordination of clocks. - There is no need for the concept of “luminiferous aether” (a - There is no need for the concept of “luminiferous aether” (a special medium for light and electromagnetic waves to travel special medium for light and electromagnetic waves to travel through) and the associated privileged frame of reference. through) and the associated privileged frame of reference.

Hermann Minkowski (1864-1909) Hermann Minkowski (1864-1909) Formulated in 1909 a further, most important Formulated in 1909 a further, most important consequence of relativity theory: consequence of relativity theory: Space and time coordinates cannot be Space and time coordinates cannot be separated. They transform into one another by separated. They transform into one another by movement. Physical world is a four-dimensional movement. Physical world is a four-dimensional space-time manifold.space-time manifold.

An instrumental procedure of An instrumental procedure of coordination of electric clocks coordination of electric clocks via exchange of signals was via exchange of signals was already used at the time, already used at the time, prompted by the spread of prompted by the spread of railroads and the telegraph. railroads and the telegraph.

““Railway Time,” the Railway Time,” the conventional time, different conventional time, different from the astronomical time for from the astronomical time for most cities. most cities. The International Meridian The International Meridian Conference (1884) and time Conference (1884) and time zones across the globe zones across the globe

Einstein’s Einstein’s “revolutionary” idea of “revolutionary” idea of

the light quantum, the light quantum, 19051905

Albert Einstein, “On a Heuristic Point Albert Einstein, “On a Heuristic Point of View Concerning the Creation and of View Concerning the Creation and Conversion of Light,” Conversion of Light,” Annalen der Annalen der PhysikPhysik 17 (1905) 132-148 17 (1905) 132-148

A self-conscious “revolutionary”A self-conscious “revolutionary”

Unlike the special relativity, the idea Unlike the special relativity, the idea of light quantum is initially rejected of light quantum is initially rejected by almost all of Einstein’s by almost all of Einstein’s colleagues.colleagues.

Atomicity of LightAtomicity of Light Einstein was aiming at a uniform Einstein was aiming at a uniform description for both, light and description for both, light and “ponderable” matter:“ponderable” matter:

- “Light carries mass with it!”- “Light carries mass with it!”- It is “something having an - It is “something having an independent [from the medium] independent [from the medium] existence, just like matter.”existence, just like matter.”

The atomistic hypothesis that had The atomistic hypothesis that had won in chemistry, then extended won in chemistry, then extended into the structure of matter and into the structure of matter and electricity (the electron), was now electricity (the electron), was now carried on even further and carried on even further and applied to light. applied to light.

Einstein’s analogy for the light Einstein’s analogy for the light quantum: the Lorentz electron quantum: the Lorentz electron that had been added to the that had been added to the continuous electromagnetic continuous electromagnetic theory of Maxwelltheory of Maxwell..

The The Solvay Solvay

ConferencConference (1911)e (1911)

Einstein was invited to participate in an exclusive conference of major Einstein was invited to participate in an exclusive conference of major experts to discuss the most pressing unresolved problems in physics.experts to discuss the most pressing unresolved problems in physics.

Their general conclusion: the mysterious quanta presented a Their general conclusion: the mysterious quanta presented a fundamental difficulty and could not be reconciled with the existing laws fundamental difficulty and could not be reconciled with the existing laws of physics. However, Einstein’s idea of an atomistic structure of light was of physics. However, Einstein’s idea of an atomistic structure of light was almost universally rejected. Most participants preferred to locate the almost universally rejected. Most participants preferred to locate the quantum discontinuity in some complicated, yet unknown, process of quantum discontinuity in some complicated, yet unknown, process of interaction between light and matter, rather than in the structure of light interaction between light and matter, rather than in the structure of light itself.itself.

Einstein’s election to the Prussian Academy of Einstein’s election to the Prussian Academy of Sciences (1914)Sciences (1914)

The best possible academic job: Prestige, location, freedom (for work, and The best possible academic job: Prestige, location, freedom (for work, and also from teaching). But required accepting a German citizenship.also from teaching). But required accepting a German citizenship.Planck and several other senior members of the Academy who nominated Planck and several other senior members of the Academy who nominated Einstein praised his important accomplishments, but referred to the Einstein praised his important accomplishments, but referred to the proposal of light quanta as his only (and thus excusable) serious blunder. proposal of light quanta as his only (and thus excusable) serious blunder.

The Wave-Particle DualityThe Wave-Particle DualityAfter WWI, light quanta began to grow rapidly in popularity, After WWI, light quanta began to grow rapidly in popularity, especially among younger physicists. especially among younger physicists.

Einstein’s own struggles: despite various attempts, he was not Einstein’s own struggles: despite various attempts, he was not able to design a comprehensive model that could explain both able to design a comprehensive model that could explain both types of experiments together: types of experiments together: the experiments in which light behaved like a wave, and those the experiments in which light behaved like a wave, and those in which light behaved like a particle. in which light behaved like a particle.

The concept of “wave-particle duality” is often mistakenly The concept of “wave-particle duality” is often mistakenly attributed to Einstein. He did not endorse this “verbal” answer attributed to Einstein. He did not endorse this “verbal” answer as a solution, because for him the wave-particle problem as a solution, because for him the wave-particle problem remained a fundamental difficulty, unresolved even in later remained a fundamental difficulty, unresolved even in later quantum mechanics. Unreconciled with the field. quantum mechanics. Unreconciled with the field.

World War I World War I and the and the

collapse of collapse of scientific scientific

internationalisinternationalismmPrewar (Inter)Nationalism in science: Open Prewar (Inter)Nationalism in science: Open

competition and international meetings competition and international meetings that appealed to nationalistic emotions that appealed to nationalistic emotions (similar to the Olympic Games) (similar to the Olympic Games)

After the start of the war: many scientists After the start of the war: many scientists in belligerent countries carried away by the in belligerent countries carried away by the popular wave of extreme nationalistic popular wave of extreme nationalistic euphoria and war enthusiasm. euphoria and war enthusiasm.

-““An die Kulturwelt” - Manifesto of the 93 An die Kulturwelt” - Manifesto of the 93 German academics, including Planck and German academics, including Planck and Nernst (October 1914)Nernst (October 1914)

-““Aufruf an die Europäer” – anti-war appeal Aufruf an die Europäer” – anti-war appeal by Nicolai, Einstein, and two others; by Nicolai, Einstein, and two others; printed 1917 in Switzerlandprinted 1917 in Switzerland

-Post-war boycott of German and Austrian Post-war boycott of German and Austrian science by the victorsscience by the victors

The war of manifestos:The war of manifestos:

Started by “An die Started by “An die Kulturwelt” (October 1914), Kulturwelt” (October 1914), a manifesto of 93 leading a manifesto of 93 leading German scholars, including German scholars, including Nobel prize winners, in Nobel prize winners, in support of the German support of the German military and war aims.military and war aims.

Boycott (until 1927): Boycott (until 1927):

Similar manifestos by French Similar manifestos by French and British scientists, the and British scientists, the termination of international termination of international contacts, and the lasting contacts, and the lasting postwar boycott of the postwar boycott of the German science by the German science by the victors. victors.

Leading ideologues of Leading ideologues of scientific nationalism in scientific nationalism in Britain and Germany: Britain and Germany: William Ramsay (1852-1916)William Ramsay (1852-1916)

Philipp Lenard (1862-1947)Philipp Lenard (1862-1947)

An anti-war manifesto in favor of (European) An anti-war manifesto in favor of (European) internationalism and pacifism: “Aufruf an die internationalism and pacifism: “Aufruf an die Europäer,” written by Georg Friedrich Nicolai (1874-Europäer,” written by Georg Friedrich Nicolai (1874-1964), could collect only 3 additional supporting 1964), could collect only 3 additional supporting signatures, including Einstein’s.signatures, including Einstein’s.

The manifesto was published in neutral Switzerland The manifesto was published in neutral Switzerland in 1917. Its author, regarded as a traitor by the in 1917. Its author, regarded as a traitor by the patriotic public, was receiving death threats and patriotic public, was receiving death threats and eventually had to flee Germany. eventually had to flee Germany.

Einstein’s antiwar position and Einstein’s antiwar position and political isolation in wartime Berlin political isolation in wartime Berlin (was trying to stay calm despite (was trying to stay calm despite having to live in an asylum built for having to live in an asylum built for insane people).insane people). His scientific isolation: delivered His scientific isolation: delivered regular reports to the Berlin regular reports to the Berlin Academy on the progress of his work Academy on the progress of his work on relativistic theory of gravity, but on relativistic theory of gravity, but found little understanding among found little understanding among colleagues.colleagues.

Anti-War Stance Anti-War Stance (very rare in 1914 Europe)(very rare in 1914 Europe)

Bertrand Russell Rosa Luxemburg(1872-1970) (1871-1919)

Jean Jaurès (1859-1914)

Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924)

A few radical intellectuals and a few radical socialists (postwar communists, rather than social-democrats)

After several different proposals, the final rush towards the After several different proposals, the final rush towards the generally covariant field equations: July to November 1915generally covariant field equations: July to November 1915

Collaboration, discussions, and competition with mathematician Collaboration, discussions, and competition with mathematician David Hilbert in Göttingen. 25 November 1915: report to the David Hilbert in Göttingen. 25 November 1915: report to the Berlin AcademyBerlin Academy

Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (relativistic theory of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (relativistic theory of gravitation) gravitation)

6 November 1919 (the war had ended one year 6 November 1919 (the war had ended one year earlier)earlier)

Einstein’s relativity made headlines in media Einstein’s relativity made headlines in media across the world following Arthur Eddington’s across the world following Arthur Eddington’s

(1882-1944) announcement of an experimental (1882-1944) announcement of an experimental confirmation of its astronomical prediction confirmation of its astronomical prediction

(that light rays bend when passing near the Sun)(that light rays bend when passing near the Sun)

“Einstein meets Marilyn Monroe” (by Quint Buchholz?)After November 1919, Einstein became a popstar, a cultural icon, and a media fixation. His ideal life as a keeper of light-house was not possible. Einstein’s response: since he could no longer escape the media attention, he did not keep his mouth shut, but made journalists listen to his views and report them, however radical and displeasing to the public.

The Politics of Relativity TheoryThe Politics of Relativity Theory

The British astronomer Arthur Eddington, a Quaker and a pacifist. The The British astronomer Arthur Eddington, a Quaker and a pacifist. The link between two scientists who had opposed the World War in their link between two scientists who had opposed the World War in their respective countries transformed an esoteric theory of relativity into a respective countries transformed an esoteric theory of relativity into a political symbol of unpatriotic internationalism and a battleground for political symbol of unpatriotic internationalism and a battleground for different ideological forces. On his part, Einstein became an outspoken different ideological forces. On his part, Einstein became an outspoken public intellectual who lent his name to various activist groups. public intellectual who lent his name to various activist groups.

A new meaning of A new meaning of relativity: in Berlin, relativity: in Berlin, Einstein was denounced Einstein was denounced as a Jew, but in Paris, as as a Jew, but in Paris, as a German.a German.

Einstein at a pacifist Einstein at a pacifist rally in Berlin, with his rally in Berlin, with his French colleague Paul French colleague Paul Langevin.Langevin.

Einstein’s political Einstein’s political identities, identities,

awakened by WWIawakened by WWI1) As a “European.” 1) As a “European.”

Downplayed the meaning of national citizenship Downplayed the meaning of national citizenship (and changed it several times).(and changed it several times).

Identified himself with common European culture. Identified himself with common European culture.

The source of world wars: the nation states that The source of world wars: the nation states that combine specific nationalisms with state power, combine specific nationalisms with state power, military might, indoctrination at school, and mass military might, indoctrination at school, and mass media propaganda.media propaganda.

2) As a “Jew.” 2) As a “Jew.”

Einstein’s Jewish identity became important to him in solidarity with the plight of Einstein’s Jewish identity became important to him in solidarity with the plight of helpless war refugees from Polish lands (traditional and deprived of everything, helpless war refugees from Polish lands (traditional and deprived of everything, unlike the mostly assimilated and emancipated, middle-class German Jews).unlike the mostly assimilated and emancipated, middle-class German Jews).

““Jewishness” for him – not racial or religious, but in the cultural tradition of social Jewishness” for him – not racial or religious, but in the cultural tradition of social justice and intellectual, if impractical pursuits. justice and intellectual, if impractical pursuits.

Seeing no other solution against European anti-Semitism, he endorsed the Seeing no other solution against European anti-Semitism, he endorsed the Zionist project of emigration to Palestine (with an important reservation: he did Zionist project of emigration to Palestine (with an important reservation: he did not support the creation of a Jewish nation state) not support the creation of a Jewish nation state)

2) As a “Socialist” 2) As a “Socialist”

Einstein’s radical opposition to WWI and to Einstein’s radical opposition to WWI and to nationalism – similar to analogous views of radical nationalism – similar to analogous views of radical socialists.socialists.

Economic considerations, especially during the Economic considerations, especially during the global economic crisis, late 1920s. global economic crisis, late 1920s.

Minimal wage and limited working day. State Minimal wage and limited working day. State regulation and planning as remedies against the regulation and planning as remedies against the self-destructive forces of “anarchic” capitalism. self-destructive forces of “anarchic” capitalism.

“Einstein’s” letter to Roosevelt, August 1939, on the possibility of uranium weapon (Composed by Edward Teller, signed by Einstein). Post-1945: regretted his advice, since the threat of the Nazi bomb did not materialize. In reality: Einstein’s letter was not responsible for the Manhattan project.

Einstein’s conditional “pacifism”: promoted disarmament and conscientious objection during the 1920s. Abandoned pacifism as impractical resistance in the face of the rising Nazism in Germany.

Photo: staged reenacting in 1945, with Leó Szilárd.

Einstein with Henry A. Wallace and Einstein with Henry A. Wallace and Paul Robeson, support of Wallace’s Paul Robeson, support of Wallace’s presidential campaign in 1948presidential campaign in 1948

Einstein – a critic of the Cold War and nuclear weapons. Einstein – a critic of the Cold War and nuclear weapons.

The 1955 Russell-Einstein manifesto. The 1955 Russell-Einstein manifesto.

The misnamed idea of the “world government”: The misnamed idea of the “world government”: Einstein thought that as long as the UN left the military Einstein thought that as long as the UN left the military power to the sovereignty of the nation states, it will not power to the sovereignty of the nation states, it will not be able to prevent further wars. be able to prevent further wars.