Robert DiSalle: Gravity, Geometry, and Philosophy: 100 Years in Einstein’s Universe

Wolf Performance Hall - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

One hundred years ago, in November 1915, Albert Einstein achieved his long-sought theory of gravitation: the General Theory of Relativity. In developing the General Theory, Einstein brought together ideas from philosophy, mathematics, and physics, to create a remarkable new conception of gravity, space, and time. His work is a model of the engagement between philosophy [...]

Chris Smeenk: Einstein’s Path to a New Theory

Stevenson & Hunt Room A - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT In November 1915, Einstein published a new theory of gravity. This lecture recounts the “rough and winding road” Einstein took in developing his theory, which ended with a dramatic race to the finish. Einstein’s approach was philosophical, partially guided by conceptual puzzles regarding space and motion. We will consider recent critical assessments of Einstein’s [...]

Stathis Psillos: Engaging Philosophy: Einstein on the Method of Science

Stevenson & Hunt Room A - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT Albert Einstein said that scientists are poor philosophers. Yet, he added that especially in periods of scientific revolutions, scientists should engage in philosophy and should not “surrender to philosophers the critical contemplation of the theoretical foundations” of science. In this talk I will aim to critically examine Einstein’s views on the method of science [...]

Doreen Fraser: Einstein, God, Dice, and Quantum Mechanics

Stevenson & Hunt Room A - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT Einstein is best known for his contributions to the physics of spacetime, the Special and General Theories of Relativity. However, he also played an important role in the development of quantum mechanics, the other great theoretical advance in twentieth century physics. Einstein’s famous response to quantum mechanics was that “God does not play dice.” [...]

Wayne Myrvold: Einstein and the Atom

Stevenson & Hunt Room A - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT Einstein's name is widely associated with the "atom bomb," via the formula E = MC2. Less widely known is that he played a key role in providing evidence that atoms exist at all. One of Einstein's early papers was an analysis of Brownian motion, the ceaseless dance of tiny particles, such as pollen grains, [...]

Chris Smeenk: Einstein’s Universe (Classes Without Quizzes)

Stevenson & Hunt Room A - Central Library 251 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

This lecture is part of the free public lecture series, Classes Without Quizzes, co-sponsored by Western Alumni and the London Public Library. ABSTRACT Einstein developed his theory of general relativity 100 years ago. Join philosophy professor Chris Smeenk for an exploration of Einstein’s distinctively philosophical approach to physics, and how his ideas have shaped our [...]

Einstein: Philosopher | Scientist, 100 years of General Relativity

SATELLiTE Project Space 121 Dundas St, London, Ontario, Canada

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION Explore the genius of Einstein through a uniquely philosophical lens. On the centennial of Einstein solving the puzzle of General Relativity, this interactive exhibit delves into the philosophical groundwork that informed Einstein’s approach to science. Manuscript replicas (Courtesy of the Albert Einstein Archives, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.) illustrate in detail Einstein’s [...]