The book offers a fresh perspective on humor, proposing the cleverness account, which views humor as intentional acts of playful cleverness. It explores the boundaries of comedic expression, particularly in response to hecklers, and delves into the ethics of joke theft among comedians. Through this analysis, it examines the nuances of humor and its implications in the comedic landscape.
A revealing new portrait of Albert Einstein, the world's first scientific "superstar" The commonly held view of Albert Einstein is of an eccentric genius for whom the pursuit of science was everything. But in actuality, the brilliant innovator whose Theory of Relativity forever reshaped our understanding of time was a man of his times, always politically engaged and driven by strong moral principles. An avowed pacifist, Einstein's mistrust of authority and outspoken social and scientific views earned him death threats from Nazi sympathizers in the years preceding World War II. To him, science provided not only a means for understanding the behavior of the universe, but a foundation for considering the deeper questions of life and a way for the worldwide Jewish community to gain confidence and pride in itself. Steven Gimbel's biography presents Einstein in the context of the world he lived in, offering a fascinating portrait of a remarkable individual who remained actively engaged in international affairs throughout his life. This revealing work not only explains Einstein's theories in understandable terms, it demonstrates how they directly emerged from the realities of his times and helped create the world we live in today.
This volume intertwines science, history, philosophy, theology, and politics in fresh and fascinating ways to solve the multifaceted riddle of what religion means - and what it means to science.
Exploring the ethics of humor, this book delves into the complexities surrounding who can tell jokes about various marginalized groups, including Jews, Poles, and women. It challenges conventional perspectives by questioning whether only members of a group or those in a position of power should be allowed to joke about their experiences. The discussion reveals the nuances of comedy and its impact on societal norms, ultimately suggesting that existing frameworks for understanding humor may be insufficient.
Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion
The book delves into the intersection of science and ideology, examining how the Nazis labeled Einstein's theory of relativity as "Jewish science." Steven Gimbel analyzes the implications of this term, exploring its historical context and the philosophical questions it raises about the nature of scientific theories and cultural identity. Through this lens, he investigates whether there is a legitimate connection between Einstein's groundbreaking work and Jewish identity, challenging preconceived notions about science and ethnicity.