Einstein, Relativity and … Anti-Semitism?

History of Science

Participant

Jaume Navarro
EHU, Ikerbasque

When

2026/05/14
17:00

Place

Josebe Olarra Auditorium, DIPC, Donostia / San Sebastián

Organizers

DIPC, Group for the Integrated History and Philosophy of Science (iHPS, EHU)

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In 1951, the influential British physicist and mathematician Edmund T. Whittaker (1873–1956) published a history of physics in which he appeared to downplay Albert Einstein’s contribution to the formulation of special relativity in 1905. Among the explanations offered for this reinterpretation of history was the accusation of anti-semitism. But was that really the case?

In this talk given by Jaume Navarro, an Ikerbasque professor-researcher at the University of the Basque Country (EHU), we will first take a look at the anti-Semitic attitudes of many of Einstein’s opponents, particularly in nationalist Germany during the interwar period. Whittaker might have been just one of many anti-semites, but the best way to find out is to ask him, even though 70 years have passed since his death, by reading his correspondence. What motives did he have, whilst writing his book, for attempting to downplay Einstein’s historical significance? Through this episode, we will not only learn about Einstein and his opponents, but we will also be able to experience one of the joys of the science historian’s work in the archives.

The lecture will be in Spanish.

Free entry until full capacity is reached.