Is relativity Jewish? The Nazis denigrated Albert Einstein’s revolutionary theory by calling it "Jewish science;" a charge typical of the ideological excesses of Hitler and his followers. Philosopher of science Steven Gimbel explores the many meanings of this provocative phrase and considers whether there is any sense in which Einstein’s theory of relativity is Jewish. Arguing that we must take seriously the possibility that the Nazis were in some measure correct; Gimbel examines Einstein and his work to explore how beliefs; background; and environment may―or may not―have influenced the work of the scientist. You cannot understand Einstein’s science; Gimbel declares; without knowing the history; religion; and philosophy that influenced it. No one; especially Einstein himself; denies Einstein's Jewish heritage; but many are uncomfortable saying that he was being a Jew while he was at his desk working. To understand what "Jewish" means for Einstein’s work; Gimbel first explores the many definitions of "Jewish" and asks whether there are elements of Talmudic thinking apparent in Einstein’s theory of relativity. He applies this line of inquiry to other scientists; including Isaac Newton; René Descartes; Sigmund Freud; and Émile Durkheim; to consider whether their specific religious beliefs or backgrounds manifested in their scientific endeavors. Einstein's Jewish Science intertwines science; history; philosophy; theology; and politics in fresh and fascinating ways to solve the multifaceted riddle of what religion means―and what it means to science. There are some senses; Gimbel claims; in which Jews can find a special connection to E = mc2; and this claim leads to the engaging; spirited debate at the heart of this book.
#610551 in Books Scribner 2006-12-12 2006-12-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.10 x 5.50l; .77 #File Name: 1416535152384 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Required read but amazing.By Michael BorgerWhen my law school registration packet came in the mail and I saw that in addition to the $1;000 worth of required books I needed for my classes there was an additional novel that I was required to read before orientation; I was a little unnerved. My initial plan was to hold off reading until a few nights before my orientation so the contents of Storming the Court was fresh in my mind and I could engage in discussion questions with confidence. When the book came in the mail; I figured I would do a quick skim of the first few pages just to see what the story was about and then I would put it on the bookshelf until August. Well; the "quick skim" turned into an all-nighter filled with a few cups of coffee and a lot of quick page turning. The book reads like a David Baldacci thriller. There is so much action; drama and real life human emotion in this book that it was impossible to put down. I refuse to put plot details in my book reviews but the greatest part of this book is how relatable the characters were to myself. They reinforced why I wanted to go to law school in the first place- to help people. This was a fantastic book and I really hope that you read it whether it's required by your school or not; whether you're a law student or not; or whether or not you think you would or wouldn't like a legal thriller. CHECK IT OUT!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I really enjoyed this bookBy CustomerI really enjoyed this book. The story is compelling and I could not stop reading. In addition; it is written in a fascinating way; with two parallel stories that at some point intertwine. It demonstrates the reality of the courts and the influence of politics. I recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Haven't met anyone who read the book and didn't LOVE it.By Michele JooI love this book. The story itself and the story-telling is truly exceptional. Both inspiring (the Law students and the Haitian refugees) and enraging (the United States government); the book is an absolute page-turner! I have personally bought about 20 copies of the book and given it to friends and colleagues; andI will continue to do so. You just can't go wrong with Storming the Court! Thanks Brandt Goldstein; keep 'em coming!
