Einstein and Religion: Physics and Theology (1999) is a book on the religious views of Nobel prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein by Max Jammer, published by Princeton University Press.[1][2]
Contents
ContentsEdit
The book includes acknowledgments, an introduction, three chapters, an appendix, and an index. Chapter one is "Einstein's Religiosity and the Role of Religion in His Private Life". Chapter two is named "Einstein's Philosophy of Religion", and chapter three is "Einstein's Physics and Theology".
The introductionEdit
Jammer explains that no biographers have written about the important role of "religious sentiments and theological reflections" in Einstein's life, apart from "occasional references to his early religiosity."[3] Jammer goes on to show that Einstein's scientific work and some of his more personal views have been welcomed by devout, orthodox theologians in all three of the major monotheistic religions: Islam,[4][5] Christianity,[6] and Judaism.[7] Jammer notes that "extensive use" of "quotations from [sources]" will be used to prevent his own personal biases from creeping into the book. Jammer also notes that although chapter three reflects the opinions of "prominent theologians and scientists", Einstein himself may well have rejected all arguments based upon them. The introduction extends from pages 3 to 11.
Chapter oneEdit
Chapter one of the book begins by quoting and comparing three biographical accounts—Einstein's own, that of Maja Winterler-Einstein, and that of Alexander Moszkowski—of Einstein's early religiosity. By all accounts, for three years young Einstein attended a Roman Catholic elementary school. Next, the chapter explores the evidence of whether Einstein's indifference to religious affiliations his refusal to be bar mitzvahed or his first marriage to Mileva Maric, a member of the Greek Orthodox Church) is symptomatic of a defiance to authority—others claim this to be not only so but also a necessary prerequisite to his scientific achievements.[8][9] Whatever "'hidden complexities'" or "'groping constructive attempts'" might have been necessary for Einstein's watershed physical theories, Jammer concludes that such matters could not have been sociological or political as claimed by Feuer, but could have only involved Einstein's philosophy of religion.[10]David Hilbert's statement "'Do you know why Einstein said the most original and profound things about space and time that have been said in our generation? Because he had learned nothing about all the philosophy and mathematics of time and space." contradicts several of Einstein's own statements regarding the influence of the empiricism of David Hume and Ernst Mach upon his early work in relativity. Jammer suggests this statement is even more improbable given that Einstein is reported to have read Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, which must have been when he was a teenager.[11] By 1920, Jammer states that Baruch Spinoza had become Einstein's most admired philosopher.[12]
Chapter twoEdit
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It is about his personal beliefs.
Chapter threeEdit
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NotesEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEditBook preview of Einstein and Religion at Google Books
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The philosophy of religion and the quest for spiritual truth preoccupied Albert Einstein--so much that it has been said "one might suspect he was a disguised theologian." Nevertheless, the literature on the life and work of Einstein, extensive as it is, does not provide an adequate account of his religious conception and sentiments. Only fragmentarily known, Einstein's ideas about religion have been often distorted both by atheists and by religious groups eager to claim him as one of their own. But what exactly was Einstein's religious credo? In this fascinating book, the distinguished physicist and philosopher Max Jammer offers an unbiased and well-documented answer to this question.
The book begins with a discussion of Einstein's childhood religious education and the religious atmosphere--or its absence--among his family and friends. It then reconstructs, step by step, the intellectual development that led Einstein to the conceptions of a cosmic religion and an impersonal God, akin to "the God of Spinoza." Jammer explores Einstein's writings and lectures on religion and its role in society, and how far they have been accepted by the general public and by professional theologians like Paul Tillich or Frederick Ferré. He also analyzes the precise meaning of Einstein's famous dictum "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind," and why this statement can serve as an epitome of Einstein's philosophy of religion.
The last chapter deals with the controversial question of whether Einstein's scientific work, and in particular his theory of relativity, has theologically significant implications, a problem important for those who are interested in the relation between science and religion. Both thought-provoking and engaging, this book aims to introduce readers, without proselytizing, to Einstein's religion.
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NotesEdit
- ^ Donald A. Crosby (June 2001), "Einstein and Religion: Physics and Theology by Max Jammer", Isis, The University of Chicago Press, 92 (2): 421–422, doi:10.1086/385255
- ^ This is an English translation of the original German text by Max Jammer titled Einstein und die Religion, published in 1995 by Universitatsverlag Konstanz. The book was also translated into Hebrew and co-published in 2007 by Bar-Ilan University Press and Yediot Aharonot.
- ^ Einstein and Religion, Max Jammer, 1999, p. 4.
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Unknown Facts about the Universe, Subhi Raghib, Syria: Homes, 1927
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Einstein al-Mafhoum, Mahmoud Abbas al-Aqqad, Al-Muqtataf 75, 1929
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Scottish Academic Press series "Theology and Science at the Frontiers of Knowledge"
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Rabi Kook to Einstein, 4 February 1923 (p. 150 of Kook Institute, Jerusalem, 1984).
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Albert Einstein—Creator and Rebel, B. Hoffmann, 1972, Viking Press
- ^ (here Max Jammer references) Einstein and the Generations of Science, L.S. Feuer, 1974, Basic Books
- ^ Einstein and Religion, Max Jammer, 1999, p. 38.
- ^ Einstein and Religion, Max Jammer, 1999, p. 40-42
- ^ Einstein and Religion, Max Jammer, 1999, p. 43-63
ReferencesEdit
- Playing dice with Einstein: Essay review of Einstein and Religion, Michael D. Gordin (Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA), Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics volume 33 year 2002 pp. 95–100.
- Einstein and Religion, Book Reviews, Gerald Holton, Philosophy of Science. Vol. 67, No. 3, (Sep., 2000), pp. 530–533.
External linksEditBook preview of Einstein and Religion at Google Books
===
Max Jammer
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Einstein and Religion: Physics and Theology Paperback – October 27, 2002
by Max Jammer (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 40 ratings
Kindle
from $25.30Read with Our Free App
Paperback
$39.95
26 Used from $4.3715 New from $23.97
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Co-Winner of the 2000 Outstanding Book Prize, Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences"
"It is surprising that so little scholarly attention has been paid to [Einstein's] religious views. . . . This is a compelling, long overdue treatment of a neglected topic." ― Publishers Weekly
"A valuable resource."---George L. Murphy, American Scientist
"Jammer's fascinating and scholarly account of Einstein's personal attitude toward religion explores the emergence of his 'cosmic religion'. . ." ― Choice
"Jammer is an excellent guide to the religious impact of Einstein's life and thought."---Greg Peterson, Christian Century
"A superb three-part survey that deals with the role of religion in Einstein's personal life; his philosophy of religion; and finally the effect of his physics on theology, the most brilliantly entertaining section of Jammer's book."---Meir Ronnen, The Jerusalem Post
"Max Jammer illuminates Einstein's enigmatic relationship to religion with a clarity and detail that no previous study can equal. . . . Mr. Jammer's readable study should long remain an indispensable reference."---John F. Haught, The Washington Times
"Jammer . . . shed[s] light on Einstein's often ambiguous views of religion, beginning with his early religious training and following his evolution to the idea of an impersonal God. [He] takes pains to clarify widespread misinterpretations of Einstein's spiritual views."---Leigh Fenly, San Diego Union-Tribune
"I can strongly recommend this beautifully written and accessible book."---Andrew Pinsent, Physics World
"One emerges from this scholarly and readable book with a new appreciation of the uniqueness of Einstein's spirit."---Gerald Holton, Philosophy of Science
"Max Jammer's is the first systematic historical account of Albert Einstein's religious views. . . . In the writing of this thoroughly researched and instructive book, Max Jammer has done the theological and scientific community a great service. Furthermore, he has made a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue between science and religion."---Rufus Burrow, Jr., Encounter
Review
"No other work offers as broad an account of Einstein's views on the relationship between science and religion or brings together all of the different facets of the topic in one short, easily accessible account. Einstein and Religion also offers a badly needed critique of some of the many misinterpretations and misuses of Einstein's views. Professor Jammer is a noted scholar, science historian, and philosopher with the credentials to write authoritatively on this subject."―David Cassidy, author of Uncertainty: The Life and Science of Werner Heisenberg
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Product details
Publisher : Princeton University Press (October 27, 2002)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
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Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from the United States
Roger A
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book depending on what you are after.
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2014
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Average Rating from me. This book is basically broken down into 3 parts.
- Part1 paints a picture of what Einstein's childhood upbringing was like and the "religious" factors (as well as schooling, towns lived in, etc.) that may have influenced his beliefs. I found it very interesting and would rate that part a 5 star.
- Part 2 is specifically about Einstein's very own thoughts on religion based on what little he wrote directly about the matter. I only gave this part 4 stars because the author took the liberty to expound upon what little was actually recorded and I think added a little too much of his own thoughts about what Einstein was meaning.
- Part 3 is actually described as for people who understand Physics (as in educated in it, of which I am not) and is very technical. I only gave this a 3 star because it really added no value to me. Thus we end with an average of 4 stars.
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Andrew Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2021
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Good read. I love the perspective and the writers relationship with Einstein gives a lot of credibility to what’s being said
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Anthony
5.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy read, but definitely doable for all audiences whom ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
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Not an easy read, but definitely doable for all audiences whom have received their secondary education if one tries hard enough.
To myself, a physics major, it was definitely thought provoking and life altering. Grasping the physical concepts in terms of a philosophical viewpoint is definitely something that challenge the beliefs one holds true.
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Herbert Gintis
4.0 out of 5 stars I learned some things from this book
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2017
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The first two chapters are very informative. The third is virtually a throw-away
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Anne E. Hobbs
5.0 out of 5 stars Einstein and Religion
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2010
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Good book to read a brief but informative description of Einstein's remarks and writings concerning God and the universe. Book also contains additional chapters describing views of other writers/scientists.
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Tommaso
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2017
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Good book
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Leo Coale
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2015
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Wonderful and scholarly book.
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Kevin J. Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars A balanced and informative description of Einstein's beliefs
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2015
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I thought it was a pretty good summary of Einstein's beliefs. Jammer focused on Einstein's views and did not intrude with his own. I thought it was quite informative and well balanced.
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Dr. Mark W. Tebbit
5.0 out of 5 stars This is by far the best book yet to have been written on Einstein's religious ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2018
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This is by far the best book yet to have been written on Einstein's religious outlook, which was more subtle than that of most of his contemporaries.
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The philosophy of religion and the quest for spiritual truth preoccupied Albert Einstein--so much that it has been said "one might suspect he was a disguised theologian." Nevertheless, the literature on the life and work of Einstein, extensive as it is, does not provide an adequate account of his religious conception and sentiments. Only fragmentarily known, Einstein's ideas about religion have been often distorted both by atheists and by religious groups eager to claim him as one of their own. But what exactly was Einstein's religious credo? In this fascinating book, the distinguished physicist and philosopher Max Jammer offers an unbiased and well-documented answer to this question.
The book begins with a discussion of Einstein's childhood religious education and the religious atmosphere--or its absence--among his family and friends. It then reconstructs, step by step, the intellectual development that led Einstein to the conceptions of a cosmic religion and an impersonal God, akin to "the God of Spinoza." Jammer explores Einstein's writings and lectures on religion and its role in society, and how far they have been accepted by the general public and by professional theologians like Paul Tillich or Frederick Ferré. He also analyzes the precise meaning of Einstein's famous dictum "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind," and why this statement can serve as an epitome of Einstein's philosophy of religion.
The last chapter deals with the controversial question of whether Einstein's scientific work, and in particular his theory of relativity, has theologically significant implications, a problem important for those who are interested in the relation between science and religion. Both thought-provoking and engaging, this book aims to introduce readers, without proselytizing, to Einstein's religion.
Read less
