Ernst Mach, an Austrian philosopher and physicist, made significant contributions to the fields of physics, philosophy, and physiological psychology. He was a pioneer in studying super-sonic motion and his name became synonymous with measuring super-sonic speed. Mach’s work greatly influenced the understanding of the Doppler Effect and his critique of Isaac Newton’s concept of time and space inspired Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. In philosophy, Mach’s ideas formed the basis for logical positivism and American pragmatism, particularly through his influence on the Vienna Circle. His views continue to be re-evaluated for their complexity and nuance. Additionally, Mach was an esteemed historian of science and held the chair of Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences at the University of Vienna. His rejection of conservative views in both philosophy and physics had a lasting impact on future generations.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: 78
- Died on: February 19, 1916
- Place of death: Munich
- City: Brno, Czechia
- Education: University of Vienna
Childhood & Early Life
Ernst Mach was born on February 18, 1838, in Chirlitz-Turas, Moravia (now Brno, Czech Republic). He was the oldest among his three siblings. When he was two years old, his family moved to a farmhouse near Vienna, where he received his education until the age of fourteen. His father’s education and his mother’s artistic nature influenced his knowledge in both philosophy and science. After studying at home, he attended a Gymnasium in Kroměříž for three years. In 1855, he enrolled at the University of Vienna, where he studied physics and medical physiology for a year. In 1860, he presented his thesis on electrical charge and induction, earning him a doctorate in physics. He also received his Habilitation the following year.
Career
From 1860 to 1862, Mach worked as a Privatdozent in the laboratory of his mentor, Andreas von Ettinghausen. During this time, he conducted experiments on optics and acoustics and studied the Doppler Effect. He continued teaching at the University of Vienna and earned most of his income from giving lectures on psychophysics, optics, and musical acoustics. In 1864, he became a professor of mathematics at Graz University and two years later, he was also appointed as a professor of physics. He left Graz in 1867 and became a professor for experimental physics at Karls-Universität in Prague, where he conducted research on retinal stimuli, auditory perception, wave motion, and the propagation of sound waves. He also discovered and confirmed the existence of shock waves, which appear in the form of a cone with the projectile at the tip. During his time in Prague, he opposed the segregation of Czech and German faculty and was appointed as the head of the German division of the University. In 1895, he was invited to Vienna to chair the newly established department of the theory of inductive science. He published “Prinzipien der Wärmelehre” (The Principle of Thermodynamics) a year later. In 1898, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed the right half of his body. Three years later, he retired and abstained from further research.
Major Works
One of Mach’s most well-known ideas is “Mach’s Principle,” which dealt with the physical origins of inertia. Although he never wrote it down, it was conveyed in a verbal graphic form credited to Mach by Philipp Frank. His most important work is considered to be “The Science of Mechanics: A Critical and Historical Account of Its Development,” which has influenced many scientists, including Albert Einstein. Einstein credited Mach’s influence for changing his outlook towards physics.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1867, Ernst Mach married Ludovica Marussig, and they had five children together. His son Ludwig Mach was one of his closest collaborators and assisted him in experiments conducted during his time in Prague. After suffering from a stroke, Mach moved near Munich to be close to his son Ludwig. He died on February 19, 1916, due to heart disease and was buried at the cemetery of Haar. The “Ernst Mach Grants” were named after him and are financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research, and Economy to encourage foreign researchers to pursue academics in Austria. He is credited as the founding father of the field of Philosophy of Science.
Trivia
During his time as a professor at the University of Graz, Mach made acquaintance with Emanuel Herrmann, who later invented the postcard in 1869. He also criticized Max Planck for his approach in proving the existence of atoms, considering it incompatible with physics.