The Dilemma of the Upright Person: Max Planck as the Spokesperson for German Science

Author: J.L. Heilbron
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-11-01
Features: Max Planck (1858-1947), an indispensable figure in the history of modern physics, is often hailed alongside Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein as one of the "three pioneers who revitalized the concept of physics." This book summarizes Planck's academic contributions and philosophical ideas while also reflecting on the moral dilemmas he faced as a principled scientist and the chief spokesperson for German science during World War I, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. It chronicles his intellectually productive yet tragically lived life, celebrating his tenacious and resilient spirit that dedicated himself to science. Through Planck's social and political activities, the author provides diverse perspectives on the state of German science before and after Hitler's rise to power. Thought-provoking and beautifully written, the book offers a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of Max Planck, the founder of quantum theory.