2005-2006 Colloquium Series

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NAU Physical Sciences (Bldg 19, Rm 321), Monday, April 3, 2006, 4:00 PM
(Refreshments at 3:45pm)

Albert Einstein as a Philosopher of Science

Don Howard
University of Notre Dame

Abstract

Scientists of Einstein's generation are noteworthy for the extent of their engagement with the history and philosophy of science and for the difference that they, themselves, thought that engagement made in their own scientific work. This talk explores this theme, especially Einstein's many, thoughtful discussions of the relationship between physics and the history and philosophy of science. Most important, for Einstein, was the difference in attitude produced by studying the history and philosophy of science -- a kind of critical detachment with respect to received scientific concepts thanks to an appreciation of their historicity and the manner of their connections to experience. Here Einstein keenly felt the influence of Ernst Mach. One case concerns Einstein's philosophical argument for the principle of spatio-temporal separability -- the ultimate basis for his critique of quantum theory.

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