Einstein's theory of relativity was both scientifically and politically controversial in his day. Overthrowing Newton's picture of the universe that had been in place for 300 years was radical enough, but Einstein used his fame to publicly advocate for political causes. Since his theory was the basis of his notoriety, his political enemies sought to undermine it, creating a public furor not unlike what we have seen around global warming or the COVID vaccine today.
The result was a combination of death threats at home and celebrity abroad that led Einstein into exile as the world's most recognizable figure. Steven Gimbel, professor of philosophy and associate professor of Jewish Studies at Gettysburg College, explores this unique look into a part of Einstein’s past that is rarely discussed.
General Information
