Einstein Revolution: Science, Culture, and 20th Century
Discover how Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the universe, influencing physics, human thought, and modern society in this Harvard exploration.
Discover how Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the universe, influencing physics, human thought, and modern society in this Harvard exploration.
Embark on a fascinating journey through the life and work of Albert Einstein with Harvard's "The Einstein Revolution" course. This interdisciplinary program traces Einstein's scientific, cultural, philosophical, and political trajectory, offering a unique lens to understand the changing role of physics in the 20th and 21st centuries. You'll explore Einstein's groundbreaking work in relativity and quantum mechanics, as well as his engagement with broader issues such as Nazism, nuclear weapons, and the arts. The course combines scientific concepts (no prerequisites required) with cultural and historical context, providing a holistic view of Einstein's impact. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, you'll gain insights into not just physics, but also the philosophical and ethical questions that arise from scientific advancements. Whether you're a science enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about one of the most influential figures of the modern era, this course offers a rich, multifaceted exploration of Einstein's revolution.
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What you'll learn
Understand Einstein's key contributions to physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics
Explore the cultural and philosophical implications of Einstein's scientific theories
Analyze Einstein's engagement with political issues, including his stance on Nazism and nuclear weapons
Examine the influence of Einstein's work on art, literature, and popular culture
Investigate the changing role of physics in the 20th and 21st centuries
Develop critical thinking skills about the relationship between science, culture, and society
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
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Graded assignments, exams
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Limited Access access
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Module Description
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Albert Einstein's life, work, and impact on science and society. Students will examine Einstein's contributions to physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics, while also exploring his engagement with broader cultural, philosophical, and political issues. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from the scientific concepts behind Einstein's theories to their influence on art, literature, and philosophy. Participants will study Einstein's role in historical events, including his stance on Nazism and involvement in discussions about nuclear weapons. The course emphasizes the interconnectedness of science with other aspects of culture and society, encouraging students to think critically about the role of physics in shaping the modern world. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, learners will gain a multifaceted understanding of Einstein's revolution and its lasting impact.
Fee Structure
Instructors
1 Course
Academic Scholar Specializing in History of Scientific Visualization
Ion Mihailescu has focused his research on the historical development of scientific visualization and graphical methods in the physical sciences. After earning his B.A. in History, Mathematics, and Physics from Columbia University in 2010, he pursued his doctoral studies at Harvard University's Department of the History of Science. His dissertation, "Graphical: The History of a Category," completed in 2018, examined the evolution of diagrammatic representations in 19th-century physical sciences. During his time at Harvard, he contributed significantly to science education as a Content Developer for the EMC2x course and served as Head Teaching Fellow for The Einstein Revolution. His interdisciplinary background in history, mathematics, and physics has informed his unique perspective on how visual representations have shaped scientific understanding and communication throughout history
1 Course
Leading Scholar Bridging Physics, History of Science, and Documentary Filmmaking
Peter Louis Galison, Joseph Pellegrino University Professor at Harvard University, has revolutionized our understanding of science's cultural and material dimensions. After earning dual Ph.D.s in physics and history of science from Harvard, he has built an extraordinary career spanning academic research, philosophical inquiry, and documentary filmmaking. As director of Harvard's Black Hole Initiative and co-founder of Critical Media Practice, he bridges multiple disciplines in groundbreaking ways. His influential books, including "How Experiments End" and "Image and Logic," have transformed understanding of scientific practice, while his documentaries like "Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know" and "Containment" explore complex scientific and social issues. His work with artist William Kentridge on "The Refusal of Time" demonstrates his unique ability to merge scientific and artistic perspectives. Galison's achievements have earned numerous accolades, including a MacArthur Fellowship (1997), the Max Planck and Humboldt Stiftung Prize (1999), and the American Physical Society's Abraham Pais Prize (2018). Through his research on black holes and the relationship between technology and self, he continues to shape understanding of science's role in society while mentoring the next generation of interdisciplinary scholars.
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4.4 course rating
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