- #1
MiLara
- 15
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James Clerk Maxwell
Who was the most important physicist to ever live?
In summary, the conversation touches on various influential physicists such as James Clerk Maxwell, Archimedes of Syracuse, Enrico Fermi, Newton, Dirac, Imhotep, John Bardeen, Walter Houser Brattain, William Bradford Shockley, and Zefram Cochrane. The discussion also raises the question of the importance and impact of scientific discoveries and advancements on society.
- #2
- 19,002
- 24,012
Archimedes of Syracuse
- #3
anorlunda
Staff Emeritus
- 11,308
- 8,733
Enrico Fermi is my personal favorite.
- #4
S.G. Janssens
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
- 1,222
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Newton, and his giants of course.
- #5
MiLara
- 15
- 0
"Some of you may ask, what is the good of working so hard merely to collect a few facts which will bring no pleasure except to a few long-haired professors who love to collect such things and will be of no use to anybody because only few specialists at best will be able to understand them? In answer to such questionanorlunda said:
One of the best insights in the history of humanity.
- #6
Larry Gopnik
Gold Member
- 34
- 19
I'm not sure about 'most important' physicist but my personal favourite is Dirac.
- #7
newjerseyrunner
- 1,533
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Imhotep, he started our species off.
For our modern world: John Bardeen, Walter Houser Brattain, and William Bradford Shockley. All awarded a Nobel prize in physics for the invention of the transistor.
For our modern world: John Bardeen, Walter Houser Brattain, and William Bradford Shockley. All awarded a Nobel prize in physics for the invention of the transistor.
- #8
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Zefram Cochrane
- #9
OCR
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- 931
You can not know that !fresh_42 said:
That would make you a more important physicist then he will be ! ...[COLOR=#black].[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#black]..[/COLOR] 
- #10
Evo
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
- 24,017
- 3,337
This has been done too many times. Closed.
Related to Who was the most important physicist to ever live?
1. Who is considered the most important physicist in history?
The most commonly accepted answer to this question is Sir Isaac Newton. He is known for his contributions to classical mechanics, the law of universal gravitation, and the development of calculus.
2. How did Newton's work impact the field of physics?
Newton's laws and theories revolutionized the field of physics and laid the foundation for modern physics. His work on gravity and motion provided a framework for understanding the physical world and has been used to develop countless technologies.
3. Are there any other physicists who are considered to be as significant as Newton?
While Newton is often considered the most important physicist, there are other notable figures who have made significant contributions to the field. These include Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Marie Curie, among others.
4. What makes a physicist "important" or influential?
The importance and influence of a physicist can be determined by their impact on the field of physics and the wider scientific community. This can include groundbreaking theories, inventions, and discoveries that have advanced our understanding of the world.
5. Is it possible to compare the importance of physicists from different time periods?
While it may be difficult to directly compare the importance of physicists from different eras, it is possible to recognize the significance of their contributions within the context of their time. Each era has its own unique challenges and advancements, and the impact of a physicist's work should be evaluated within that context.
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