Albert Einstein
Pre-reading
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). Einstein’s work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. Einstein is best known in popular culture for his mass-energy equivalence formula E = mc2. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his “services to theoretical physics”, in particular his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal step in the evolution of quantum theory.
Einstein published more than 300 scientific papers along with over 150 non-scientific works. Einstein’s intellectual achievements and originality have made the word “Einstein”synonymous with “genius”.
The following essay is from Science, Philosophy and Religion,A Symposium, published by the Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in Their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life, Inc., New York, 1941.
Prompts for Your Reading
1.How does Einstein define “science”?
2.What characterizes the aspirations of a religious person according to Einstein?
3.How does Einstein explain that science and religion are two realms clearly marked off from each other? And in what ways are they in reciprocal and interdependent relationships?
4.What is the main source of the present-day conflicts between the spheres of religion and science?
5.Under what circumstances will scientific method fail us?
6.Does Einstein believe that the doctrine of a personal God interfering with natural events could be refuted by science? Why or why not?
7.How can religious teachers recognize that religion can be ennobled and made more profound by scientific knowledge according to Einstein?
8.Where does science encounter its greatest success according to Einstein? In what way do you think science can emancipate people?
9.Einstein believes that “a humble attitude of mind toward the grandeur of reason is religious, in the highest sense of the word”. How do you understand and interpret his words?