Was Einstein knowledge on science all by his own

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on Albert Einstein's educational background and the sources of his scientific knowledge, particularly regarding whether he relied solely on formal education or engaged with contemporary research and experts. It explores the nature of his learning process and the influence of his relationships with peers and collaborators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the adequacy of Einstein's formal education in explaining his knowledge of current research.
  • Others point out that scientific journals were available during Einstein's time, suggesting he could have accessed contemporary literature.
  • One participant clarifies that Einstein was "ABD" (All But Dissertation) in 1905, indicating he was familiar with the scientific literature available at his university.
  • There is speculation about Einstein's interactions with experts, particularly whether he had friends who could help clarify his doubts or if he relied solely on self-study.
  • Michele Besso is mentioned as a close friend and collaborator, particularly in relation to the General Theory of Relativity, while the originality of Einstein's 1905 papers is emphasized.
  • Another participant notes that Einstein acknowledged Besso's assistance in his special relativity paper, indicating some level of collaboration.
  • There is a suggestion that Einstein was independently investigating scientific findings and engaging with them effectively before his first major paper in 1900.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent of Einstein's reliance on formal education versus independent study and collaboration. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of his interactions with experts and the influence of his relationships on his work.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various aspects of Einstein's educational background and relationships, but there are limitations in the discussion regarding the specifics of his interactions with contemporaries and the nature of his independent studies.

rajeshmarndi
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Einstein education was just formal , then how did he got to know all about current research at his time. So did he studied all by his own?
 
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Scientific journals existed...
 
What do you mean "just formal". Do you have some belief that "formal" education does not include keeping up with what is current?
 
In today's terminology, when Einstein wrote his famous papers in 1905, he was an "ABD" = "All But Dissertation". That is, he had completed the studies for a Ph.D. and needed only to submit a dissertation. It meant that he was acquainted with the scientific literature of the day, as published in dead-tree / dead-cow format and available in his university library.
 
I mean without talking to experts i.e did he had any friend who was an expert with whom he could clear any doubts. Or he used to clear all his doubts just by studying on his own.
 
rajeshmarndi said:
I mean without talking to experts i.e did he had any friend who was an expert with whom he could clear any doubts. Or he used to clear all his doubts just by studying on his own.

Michele Besso was a close friend, and a good mathematician. The GTR was written with his collaboration, but that was in 1915/16. But the four important papers that Einstein wrote in 1905, his 'Wunderjahr', were apparently completely original. There has been, however, some speculation with the possibility that his wife, Mileva Maric, might have helped him...
 
At the end of his 1905 special-relativity paper is the following (in translation):

Einstein said:
In conclusion I wish to say that in working at the problem here dealt with I have had the loyal assistance of my friend and colleague M. Besso, and that I am indebted to him for several valuable suggestions.
 
That is, before einstein first paper if I am right in 1900, he was independently investigating and had been keeping watch on latest scientific finding with his friends. Even independently he was able to understood them well and solve them as well.
 

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