- #1
sancho2007
- 2
- 0
Please help to find the answer of this question.
Who was more genius, Einstein or Newton?
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The forum discussion centers on the subjective comparison between Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, ultimately concluding that there is no definitive answer to the question of who was the greater genius. Participants emphasize that both figures contributed significantly to science in different eras and contexts, with Einstein benefiting from Newton's foundational work. The conversation also touches on the contributions of Galileo and the historical context of scientific discovery, highlighting the collaborative nature of scientific advancement.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of historical scientific figures: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei
- Familiarity with the scientific method and its evolution over time
- Knowledge of basic physics concepts, including laws of motion and gravity
- Awareness of the philosophical implications of comparing historical figures in science
- Research the contributions of Galileo Galilei to classical mechanics
- Explore the historical context of Newton's laws of motion and their development
- Study the evolution of scientific thought from Newton to Einstein
- Investigate the role of collaboration and competition in scientific discoveries
This discussion is beneficial for historians of science, educators, students of physics, and anyone interested in the comparative analysis of influential scientific figures.
- #2
Chi Meson
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,890
- 11
NOT AGAIN!
There is NO answer to this question. It is not worth the effor to try. Both smart. Both geniuses. Different times, different problems. No answer. Hurry, hide before Cyrus sees you!
There is NO answer to this question. It is not worth the effor to try. Both smart. Both geniuses. Different times, different problems. No answer. Hurry, hide before Cyrus sees you!
- #3
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2025 Award
- 22,507
- 7,438
It seems rather subjective.
They came from different places and times. Einstein had the benefit of the his predecessors, which includes Newton.
What is the point of such a question? And why do people worry about "who is/was the best?"
They came from different places and times. Einstein had the benefit of the his predecessors, which includes Newton.
What is the point of such a question? And why do people worry about "who is/was the best?"
- #4
dontdisturbmycircles
- 592
- 3
sancho2007 said:
I think it is agreeable that they both were very smart and your question is kinda like "Which one tastes better, an apple or an orange?"
- #5
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
Astronuc said:
Didn't Newton also stand on the shoulder of giants?
- #6
Cyrus
- 3,237
- 17
Chi Meson said:
Cracks knuckles
- #7
YellowTaxi
- 196
- 0
I'd say Galileo was the greatest physicist ever.
Newton didn't really discover anything new as far as I know, he was really mathematician not physicist. All he did was apply Leibnitz's new mathematics of caculus to Galileo's 100 year old law of motion. Now Galileo's law of motion has mysteriously become renamed as Newton's first law...
I think Newton didn't even fully understand Galileos laws until they were explained to him by Hooke (of Hookes Law and the universal joints). Also there's no reason to believe Newton was first to discover the inverse square law for gravity either, a number of people were dicussing the same at that time and Hooke actually took out a court case against Newton accusing him of plaigiarism.
Newton didn't really discover anything new as far as I know, he was really mathematician not physicist. All he did was apply Leibnitz's new mathematics of caculus to Galileo's 100 year old law of motion. Now Galileo's law of motion has mysteriously become renamed as Newton's first law...
I think Newton didn't even fully understand Galileos laws until they were explained to him by Hooke (of Hookes Law and the universal joints). Also there's no reason to believe Newton was first to discover the inverse square law for gravity either, a number of people were dicussing the same at that time and Hooke actually took out a court case against Newton accusing him of plaigiarism.
- #8
eigenglue
- 25
- 0
Unless you do something great, they were both smarter than you. That's the answer.;)
- #9
dontdisturbmycircles
- 592
- 3
YellowTaxi said:I'd say Galileo was the greatest physicist ever.
Newton didn't really discover anything new as far as I know, he was really mathematician not physicist. All he did was apply Leibnitz's new mathematics of caculus to Galileo's 100 year old law of motion. Now Galileo's law of motion has mysteriously become renamed as Newton's first law...
I think Newton didn't even fully understand Galileos laws until they were explained to him by Hooke (of Hookes Law and the universal joints). Also there's no reason to believe Newton was first to discover the inverse square law for gravity either, a number of people were dicussing the same at that time and Hooke actually took out a court case against Newton accusing him of plaigiarism.
I vote for a lock
- #10
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
Reminds me of a thread in another forum where one member claims that Mozart and Haydn didn't write most of their works, and that Mozart was nothing more than a sham. 
- #11
MeJennifer
- 2,008
- 6
What's the point in 95% of the topics posted in General Discussion Astronuc, Chi Meson, cyrusabdollahi?
It seems that in General Discussion people just want to chat about all kind of things like cracking jokes, cute cats, disney, how much presidential candidate X is so much better than candidate Y etc.
I do not see a problem with that.
But now there is apparently an issue with this particular posting?
It seems that in General Discussion people just want to chat about all kind of things like cracking jokes, cute cats, disney, how much presidential candidate X is so much better than candidate Y etc.
I do not see a problem with that.
But now there is apparently an issue with this particular posting?
- #12
radou
Homework Helper
- 3,148
- 8
Astronuc said:
I second that.
Edit:
MeJennifer said:
Because this is a scientific forum, and topics related in any way to science are regarded in a different way.
Last edited:
- #13
Moonbear
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,919
- 54
I don't know how many times this question, or ones very similar, have been asked here. There's no answer, for all the reasons already described. Toss a coin and pick one if you really must.
Cyrus, you've disappointed me...I was counting on a "Thread Locked" line. This time I'd have granted it.
Cyrus, you've disappointed me...I was counting on a "Thread Locked" line. This time I'd have granted it.