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[Physltest] [Phys-L] Re: The incomparable logic of Einstein



The mythology surrounding Einstein has so deformed critical thinking that
the genius performing elementary tricks and mistakes seems impossible by
definition. Yet the real situation is quite different. Imagine someone who,
by seeing someone else applying the distributive law

a(b + c) = ab + ac

obtains, by analogy,

a + (bc) = (a + b)(a + c).

Einstein's flaws are often at that level. He would usually read something in
Poincare, translate it in his own confusing language and offer it to
sycophants who are to find its place in the mythology.

What is the length of the periphery of a rotating disc as judged by a
non-rotating observer? Ehrenfest, by diligently applying the results of the
theory of relativity, obtains that the length is SMALLER than 2*pi*R. The
divine creature Einstein claims that the length is GREATER than 2*pi*R
(secretly, he has drawn an analogy from a Poincare's model which is not
analogous at all). Others demonstrate their moderation by claiming that the
length is EQUAL to 2*pi*R. A fourth party write long papers in which the
different opinions are thoroughly analysed:

http://www.smcm.edu/nsm/physics/SMP03S/KeatingB.doc.pdf
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/physics/pdf/0404/0404027.pdf
http://edu.supereva.it/solciclos/gron_d.pdf

Finally, initiated relativists who alone have the right to say anything say
that the situation is INHERENTLY AMBIGUOUS (this means that profanes are not
allowed to try to understand it). That science is regarded as normal in the
20th century. The problem is that students no longer wish to learn it by
rote.

Pentcho Valev
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