{ "meta": { "api_type": "NWO Projects API", "version": "1.0.2", "licence": { "name": "CC0 1.0 Universal", "url": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0", "description": "To the extent possible under law, all copyright and related or neighbouring rights have been waived worldwide to the data made available through this API." }, "documentation": "https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14918287", "release_date": "2025-08-20T00:00:00", "funder": "https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003246", "ror_id": "https://ror.org/04jsz6e67", "date": "2026-11-05T00:00:00", "count": 1, "per_page": 100, "pages": 1, "page": 1 }, "projects": [ { "project_id": "275-20-010", "title": "Methods and Cultures in Theoretical Physics: Albert Einstein, Experiment and the History of Quantum Mechanics", "funding_scheme_id": 428, "funding_scheme": "NWO-Talentprogramma Veni 2004 GW", "department": "Sociale en Geesteswetenschappen", "sub_department": "Geesteswetenschappen", "start_date": "2005-10-01T00:00:00", "end_date": "2009-07-17T00:00:00", "reporting_year": 2004, "summary_nl": "In 1915, Albert Einstein discovered the general theory of relativity, the biggest success of his working life. Following this event, he gradually came to see physics as a discipline primarily innovated by mathematically oriented research. At the same time, the distance of his work to experiment and experimentalists appeared to grow. Other theorists that worked towards the theory of quantum mechanics, such as Arnold Sommerfeld or Alfred Landé, however closely interacted with experiment, for example in studies of the Zeeman-effect. Furthermore, Einstein, not unlike Paul Ehrenfest or Max Planck, always aimed for the principles of physics, whereas the group around Sommerfeld appeared to work in a more problem-oriented fashion.\nIn earlier work, we have studied Einstein's methodological re-orientation by looking at his efforts in unified field theory. In the current proposal, we suggest a study - of relevant literature and source material, including new archival material - of Einstein's changing relation to experiment, partly by a detailed analysis of the Einstein-Rupp collaboration. We further wish to compare his actual practice in theory construction with that of the group working on the Zeeman-effect - we will here make a detailed study of the history of the Zeeman-effect, a topic that has so far unjustly not received full attention in the literature. By comparing practices and professed methodologies, we hope to learn more about the relevant factors - such as past experience or education - that eventually lead to Einstein's dissenting attitude regarding quantum theory. In turn, this may serve to elucidate the principle vs. problem dichotomy in approaches present in the history of twentieth century theoretical physics. \n\tWe believe that the importance of this work could be profound as new episodes and perspectives in the history of quantum theory - one of the most challenging topics in twentieth century intellectual history - stand to be uncovered. \n", "summary_en": "In 1915, Albert Einstein discovered the general theory of relativity, the biggest success of his working life. Following this event, he gradually came to see physics as a discipline primarily innovated by mathematically oriented research. At the same time, the distance of his work to experiment and experimentalists appeared to grow. Other theorists that worked towards the theory of quantum mechanics, such as Arnold Sommerfeld or Alfred Landé, however closely interacted with experiment, for example in studies of the Zeeman-effect. Furthermore, Einstein, not unlike Paul Ehrenfest or Max Planck, always aimed for the principles of physics, whereas the group around Sommerfeld appeared to work in a more problem-oriented fashion.\nIn earlier work, we have studied Einstein's methodological re-orientation by looking at his efforts in unified field theory. In the current proposal, we suggest a study - of relevant literature and source material, including new archival material - of Einstein's changing relation to experiment, partly by a detailed analysis of the Einstein-Rupp collaboration. We further wish to compare his actual practice in theory construction with that of the group working on the Zeeman-effect - we will here make a detailed study of the history of the Zeeman-effect, a topic that has so far unjustly not received full attention in the literature. By comparing practices and professed methodologies, we hope to learn more about the relevant factors - such as past experience or education - that eventually lead to Einstein's dissenting attitude regarding quantum theory. In turn, this may serve to elucidate the principle vs. problem dichotomy in approaches present in the history of twentieth century theoretical physics. \n\tWe believe that the importance of this work could be profound as new episodes and perspectives in the history of quantum theory - one of the most challenging topics in twentieth century intellectual history - stand to be uncovered. \n", "project_members": [ { "role": "Project leader", "member_id": 148681, "last_name": "Dongen", "degree_pre_nominal": "prof. dr.", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "prefix": "van", "organisation": "Universiteit Utrecht||Faculteit Bètawetenschappen||Departement Natuurkunde||Geschiedenis & Grondslagen van de Wiskunde & Natuurwetenschappen", "organisation_id": 81088, "ror": "https://ror.org/04pp8hn57", "active": false }, { "role": "Researcher", "member_id": 148681, "last_name": "Dongen", "degree_pre_nominal": "prof. dr.", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "prefix": "van", "organisation": "Universiteit Utrecht||Faculteit Bètawetenschappen||Departement Natuurkunde||Geschiedenis & Grondslagen van de Wiskunde & Natuurwetenschappen", "organisation_id": 81088, "ror": "https://ror.org/04pp8hn57", "active": false }, { "role": "Main Applicant", "member_id": 148681, "last_name": "Dongen", "degree_pre_nominal": "prof. dr.", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "prefix": "van", "organisation": "Universiteit Utrecht||Faculteit Bètawetenschappen||Departement Natuurkunde||Geschiedenis & Grondslagen van de Wiskunde & Natuurwetenschappen", "organisation_id": 81088, "ror": "https://ror.org/04pp8hn57", "active": true } ], "products": [ { "title": "The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, Volume 10\nThe Berlin Years: Correspondence, May-December 1920 and Supplementary Correspondence, 1909-1920", "sub_title": "The Berlin Years: Correspondence, May-December 1920 and Supplementary Correspondence, 1909-1920", "year": 2006, "edition": "1", "type": "Boek", "isbn": "0-691-1285-1", "city": "Princeton", "publisher": "Princeton University Press", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Kox", "initials": "A.J.", "first_name": "Anne", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kennefick", "initials": "D.J.", "first_name": "Daniel", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kormos Buchwald", "initials": "D.", "first_name": "Diana", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Illy", "initials": "J.", "first_name": "Jozsef", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Sauer", "initials": "T.", "first_name": "Tilman ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Holmes", "initials": "V.I.", "first_name": "Virginia", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Rosenkranz", "initials": "Z.", "first_name": "Ze'ev", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Over lichtemissie: Albert Einstein en de vroege geschiedenis van de Nederlandse Natuurkundige Vereniging", "year": 2008, "edition": "74", "start": 138, "end": 141, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Natuurkunde", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Tauschinsky", "initials": "A.", "first_name": "Atreju", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "On the history of the quantum: Introduction to the HQ2 special issue.", "year": 2009, "edition": "40", "start": 277, "end": 279, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics ", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Dieks", "initials": "D.", "first_name": "Dennis", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kox", "initials": "A.J. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Uffink", "initials": "J.B.M. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "On The History Of The Quantum\nThe HQ2 Special Issue", "sub_title": "The HQ2 Special Issue", "year": 2009, "edition": "40", "start": 277, "end": 406, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Dieks", "initials": "D.", "first_name": "Dennis", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kox", "initials": "A.J. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Uffink", "initials": "J.B.M. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, Volume 12\nThe Berlin Years, Correspondence January-December 1921", "sub_title": "The Berlin Years, Correspondence January-December 1921", "year": 2009, "edition": "1", "type": "Boek", "isbn": "987-0-691-14190-9", "city": "Princeton NJ", "publisher": "Princeton University Press", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kox", "initials": "A.J. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kennefick", "initials": "D.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Kormos Buchwald", "initials": "D.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Illy", "initials": "J.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Moses", "initials": "O.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Sauer", "initials": "T.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Holmes", "initials": "V.I. ", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 }, { "last_name": "Rosenkranz", "initials": "Z.", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Einstein's unification", "year": 2010, "edition": "1", "type": "Boek", "isbn": "978-0-521-88346-7", "city": "Cambridge", "publisher": "Cambridge University Press", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Fame, philosophy and physics", "year": 2007, "edition": "317", "start": 752, "end": 753, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Science", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Emil Rupp, Albert Einstein, and the canal ray experiments on wave-particle duality: Scientific fraud and theoretical bias", "year": 2007, "edition": "37", "start": 73, "end": 120, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Historical Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "The interpretation of the Einstein-Rupp experiments and their influence on the history of quantum mechanics", "year": 2007, "edition": "37", "start": 121, "end": 131, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Historical Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Einstein en Nederland\nDe rol van de omstreden Nobelprijswinnaar Peter Debije verdient meer", "sub_title": "De rol van de omstreden Nobelprijswinnaar Peter Debije verdient meer", "year": 2006, "edition": "57", "start": 9, "end": 12, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "De Academische Boekengids", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "On the Role of the Michelson-Morley Experiment: Einstein in Chicago", "year": 2009, "edition": "63", "start": 655, "end": 663, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Archive for History of Exact Sciences", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Reactionaries and Einstein's Fame: ``German Scientists for the Preservation of Pure Science,\" Relativity, and the Bad Nauheim Meeting", "year": 2007, "edition": "9", "start": 212, "end": 230, "type": "Wetenschappelijk artikel", "journal_title": "Physics in Perspective", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Auteur", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Tabloid Einstein\nOefening in koorddansen", "sub_title": "Oefening in koorddansen", "year": 2008, "type": "Publicatie", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Maker", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Albert Einstein. Man van ruimte en tijd", "year": 2008, "type": "Publicatie", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Maker", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Einstein", "year": 2007, "type": "Publicatie", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Maker", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Verlanglijstjes en merknamen", "year": 2008, "type": "Publicatie", "authors": [ { "last_name": "Van Dongen", "initials": "J.A.E.F.", "first_name": "Jeroen", "role": "Maker", "index_number": 0 } ] }, { "title": "Einstein en Nederland\nDe rol van de omstreden Nobelprijswinnaar Peter Debye verdient meer", "sub_title": "De rol van de omstreden Nobelprijswinnaar Peter Debye verdient meer", "year": 2006, "type": "Publicatie" } ] } ] }