Skip to content

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion Hardcover - 2012

by Steven Gimbel


From the rear cover

The Nazis denigrated Albert Einstein's theory of relativity 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 revolutionary theory 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.

"To understand Gimbel's argument about the Jewish quality of Einstein's approach--and to perceive the boldness of Gimbel's decision to re-examine twentieth-century, anti-Semitic ideas about 'Jewish science'--it's necessary first to understand the historical moment out of which the theory of relativity emerged."--Tikkun

"Gimbel . . . takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity leads."--New York Times Book Review

"A fascinating and enlightening discussion of many aspects of the . . . 20th century that examines the many different ways in which one might understand the suggestion that Einstein's physics expresses or reflects something distinctively Jewish."--Physics Today

"A lively, intentionally provocative and wholly compelling inquiry into the Jewishness of Einstein himself and the world-changing scientific revolution that he set in motion."--Jewish Journal

"Gimbel spins out what could have been a mere provocation into a wide-ranging and entertaining collision of science, history, philosophy, and religion."--Zocalo Public Square

"A fascinating engagement with the nature of Judaism and of science. By exploring and, in a sense, redeeming the Nazi accusation that Einstein's relativity theory is 'Jewish science, ' Gimbel not only challenges the racist meanings of that charge but shows how scientific theories must in fact reflect the issues and concerns of the historical periods which give rise to them."--Rabbi Michael Lerner

From the jacket flap

The Nazis denigrated Albert Einstein's theory of relativity 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 revolutionary theory 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.

To understand Gimbel's argument about the Jewish quality of Einstein's approach--and to perceive the boldness of Gimbel's decision to re-examine twentieth-century, anti-Semitic ideas about 'Jewish science'--it's necessary first to understand the historical moment out of which the theory of relativity emerged.--Tikkun

Gimbel . . . takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity leads.--New York Times Book Review

A fascinating and enlightening discussion of many aspects of the . . . 20th century that examines the many different ways in which one might understand the suggestion that Einstein's physics expresses or reflects something distinctively Jewish.--Physics Today

A lively, intentionally provocative and wholly compelling inquiry into the Jewishness of Einstein himself and the world-changing scientific revolution that he set in motion.--Jewish Journal

Gimbel spins out what could have been a mere provocation into a wide-ranging and entertaining collision of science, history, philosophy, and religion.--Zocalo Public Square

A fascinating engagement with the nature of Judaism and of science. By exploring and, in a sense, redeeming the Nazi accusation that Einstein's relativity theory is 'Jewish science, ' Gimbel not only challenges the racist meanings of that charge but shows how scientific theories must in fact reflect the issues and concerns of the historical periods which give rise to them.--Rabbi Michael Lerner

--Noah Efron, Graduate Program in Science, Technology and Society, Bar Ilan University "Tikkun"

Details

  • Title Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
  • Author Steven Gimbel
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition [ Edition: first
  • Pages 256
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD
  • Date 2012-04
  • ISBN 9781421405544 / 1421405547
  • Weight 1.08 lbs (0.49 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.99 x 6.43 x 0.9 in (22.83 x 16.33 x 2.29 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Ethnic Orientation: Jewish
    • Interdisciplinary Studies: Jewish Studies
  • Library of Congress subjects Relativity (Physics) - Philosophy, Einstein, Albert - Philosophy
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2011036254
  • Dewey Decimal Code 530.092

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 11/01/2012, Page 0
  • New York Times Book Review, 08/12/2012, Page 24
  • Publishers Weekly, 03/05/2012, Page 65

About the author

Steven Gimbel is the Edwin T. and Cynthia Shearer Johnson Professor for Distinguished Teaching in the Humanities and chair of the Department of Philosophy at Gettysburg College, where he won the Luther and Bernice Johnson Award for Distinguished Teaching. He is author of Exploring the Scientific Method: Cases and Questions; Ren Descartes: The Search for Certainty; and Defending Einstein: Hans Reichenbach's Writings on Space, Time, and Motion.

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Steven Gimbel

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£2.26
£2.40 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
The Johns Hopkins University Pre, 2012-04-10. Hardcover. Good. 1.0000 in x 9.0000 in x 6.2000 in.
Item Price
£2.26
£2.40 shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Houston, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.05
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012-05-21. hardcover. Acceptable. 6x0x9.
Item Price
£5.05
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.32
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Johns Hopkins University Press. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
£5.32
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.45
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012. Hardcover. Good. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.45
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.51
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Johns Hopkins University Press. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
£5.51
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science : Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.51
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Johns Hopkins University Press. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
£5.51
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Steven Gimbel

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£7.16
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012-04-10. Hardcover. Used: Good.
Item Price
£7.16
FREE shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£7.60
£3.30 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Fine hardcover, very good condition. Clean, unmarked pages; tight binding; vg dust jacket.Very Good
Item Price
£7.60
£3.30 shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Fine copy in fine dust jacket
Edition
1st
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Pittsford, New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£8.01
£3.20 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press. Fine copy in fine dust jacket. 2012. 1st. hardcover. 8vo, 245 pp. .
Item Price
£8.01
£3.20 shipping to USA
Einstein's Jewish Science
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Einstein's Jewish Science

by Gimbel, Steven

  • Used
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Fine/Near Fine
Edition
1st
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781421405544
ISBN 10
1421405547
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Fitzwilliam , New Hampshire, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£8.01
£4.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Baltimore: Johns Hopkins U. Press. Fine/Near Fine. 2012. 1st. hardcover. 8vo . 245pp .
Item Price
£8.01
£4.00 shipping to USA