Who was greater, Einstein or Newton?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of the contributions and significance of Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton in the field of physics. Participants explore various perspectives on the merits of each figure, touching on their historical impact, scientific achievements, and the motivations behind ranking them.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the value of ranking historical figures like Einstein and Newton, suggesting that it detracts from appreciating their work.
  • Others propose evaluating their contributions based on publication prestige and citation counts, with some suggesting that Einstein may have more citations.
  • A participant notes that Newton was published in the Journal of the Royal Society at a young age and later became its president, arguing that this was a significant credential at the time.
  • There are expressions of uncertainty regarding the motivations behind the desire to rank these scientists, with some participants feeling that the question lacks a meaningful answer.
  • One participant expresses a personal lack of knowledge about physics but shows interest in both Einstein and Newton.
  • Another participant points out that the thread may not align with forum guidelines, labeling the conversation as meaningless due to its repetitive nature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the value and meaning of ranking Einstein and Newton, with some advocating for the discussion while others find it trivial or pointless. There is no consensus on the criteria for determining who might be considered "greater."

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their knowledge of physics, which may affect their contributions to the discussion. The conversation also reflects a broader meta-discussion about the nature of comparing historical figures in science.

CosmicRover
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Who was greater (in your opinion), Einstein or Newton? and Why?
 
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This question comes up a lot online:

http://www.amnh.org/explore/science-bulletins/astro/documentaries/gravity-making-waves/essay-Newton-vs.-einstein-vs.-the-next-wave

and perhaps it would be more productive to search for it via google.
 
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I was just wondering what peoples thought were towards this questions.
 
Who's stronger? Superman or the Hulk? (And if you think this question is silly, it would help to explain how your question is different)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Who's stronger? Superman or the Hulk? (And if you think this question is silly, it would help to explain how your question is different)
http://superman.wikia.com/wiki/Superman_Prime_%28One_Million%29 .

And Einstein was greater. In height.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Maybe we should get inspired by my gov way of grading science and check who of them published in more presitigious journals or get more citations?

Googling: seems Einstein.
 
Czcibor said:
Maybe we should get inspired by my gov way of grading science and check who of them published in more presitigious journals or get more citations?

Googling: seems Einstein.
Not so fast. Newton was published in the Journal of the Royal Society at a young age, and that was the height. There was no superior science journal in existence. He went on to become president of that society in his later years, which made him, in effect, the King of Science. There wasn't a higher credential to be had at the time.
 
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What is this desire to rank people. I never got it. Why do you care which one is greater. Just read their work and enjoy the physics.
 
micromass said:
What is this desire to rank people. I never got it. Why do you care which one is greater.
Maybe to understand who had more donations to science community. There should be one who is more preferred.
Just read their work and enjoy the physics.
Hmmm... I can't myself if I don't know the truth.

I am working as a software engineer, my work now has nothing related to physics. But I like both of them.
 
  • #10
Silicon Waffle said:
Maybe to understand who had more donations to science community. There should be one who is more preferred.

Why? Why should there be one?

Hmmm... I can't myself if I don't know the truth.

What truth?
 
  • #11
micromass said:
Why? Why should there be one?
That is the point of the OP as he is looking for us to explain and vote. We talk about Einstein and Newton, not you individually. Why do you sound upset ?
What truth?
Truths about both of them, related historical events, their inventions and more.
 
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  • #12
Silicon Waffle said:
That is the point of the OP as he is looking for us to explain and vote. We talk about Einstein and Newton, not you individually. Why do you sound upset ?

I understand the point of the OP, but the question is pretty meaningless. There is no correct answer, so why bother?

Truths about both of them, related historical events, their inventions and more.

You can't study science without that? And why can't you do that without some silly ranking system.
 
  • #13
I am looking up more details about Newton. I don't know much about physics actually. My knowledge sucks, honestly.
I have read information about Einstein and his family, all members :oldsmile:
 
  • #14
We don't allow these kinds of threads, the conversation is meaningless. As anyone can tell from the similar discussions listed below this is a pretty regular argument.
 

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