EINSTEIN, RELATIVITY AND SCIENTIFIC BELIEF

Albert Einstein announced his theory of special relativity one hundred years ago, in the spring of 1905.  Since then, this theory and that of general relativity (1915) have brought about a profound change in our understanding of the physical world.

The agenda of this course is threefold: First, to review the extraordinary life and times of Albert Einstein; Second, to explain special relativity (in some detail) and general relativity (conceptually) and to  visualize some of the consequences of both; and Third, to understand the unsettling challenge to scientific belief engendered by these theories and by preceding efforts to explain the physical world.

And there is a fourth, less formal objective: to rout the notion that special relativity is a difficult theory to comprehend.  However, do expect to have one's intuition stretched!  No special knowledge of physics or mathematics is required, but do come prepared for a precise discussion of the topic.

Class is limited to 25 members.

FRANK RYAN received a BA in physics from The Rice Institute in 1958 and a PhD in mathematics from Rice University in 1965.  He has pursued several careers related to professional sports, government, the corporate world, and academia.  The latter includes faculty positions in mathematics at Case Western Reserve University, Yale University, and Rice University. He is retired and resides in Grafton, Vt.