- #1
sancho2007
- 2
- 0
Please help to find the answer of this question.
Who was more genius, Einstein or Newton?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the question of who was more of a genius, Einstein or Newton. Participants explore the subjective nature of this comparison, considering the historical context and contributions of both figures.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that there is no definitive answer to the question, emphasizing that both Einstein and Newton were geniuses in their own right, facing different challenges in different eras.
- Others suggest that comparing the two is subjective and question the purpose of such comparisons, likening it to comparing different types of fruit.
- One participant claims that Newton did not discover anything new and primarily applied existing mathematical concepts, suggesting that Galileo should be regarded as the greatest physicist instead.
- Another participant mentions that Newton's understanding of Galileo's laws was aided by Hooke, raising questions about the originality of Newton's contributions.
- Several participants express frustration with the recurring nature of this question in the forum, indicating a desire for more substantive discussions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that both Einstein and Newton were highly intelligent and influential figures. However, there is significant disagreement regarding the merits of comparing them, with some advocating for Galileo as a more significant figure in physics.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the limitations of comparing historical figures without considering the context of their contributions and the subjective nature of such evaluations.
- #2
Chi Meson
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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
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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
- 2,093
- 2
Astronuc said:
Didn't Newton also stand on the shoulder of giants?
- #6
Cyrus
- 3,246
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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
- 2,093
- 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
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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
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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
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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.