1. Discuss Einstein's and Planck's differing views about whether science research is removed from
social and political forces.
Solution
Einstein and Plank were both German scientists in the early twentieth century. They were in the
same field and good friends also. But their friendship was troubled by the outbreak of world war
I, because Plank was a nationalist, he supported German’s war effort but directly opposite to
him stood Einstein, who was a pacifist and believed in world peace.
Planck was loyal to the government, whatever party it was. He signed a document supporting the
role of Germany in the war, and devoted his work and research to whatever was required of him.
He said that scientific study was justified in its own right, and decisions of what to do with the
results should be left to politicians. Thus he didn't see the moral imperative of opposing Hitler,
but by saying science was independent of government, ignored ethical considerations.
Einstein was a pacifist, who had no particular politics, supported no government. He refused to
sign the document supporting Germany's war effort, instead signing another one which called
for a peaceful world. He said that scientific study should benefit humanity, and did not accept his
work should contribute to killing others. Some say he compromised his ideals in his support of
the development of the atom bomb, but Einstein later wrote of the pain he experienced when the
bombs were finally used.