Hans Reichenbach Quotes

A collection of quotes by Hans Reichenbach.

Hans Reichenbach (1891-1953) was a German-born philosopher, mathematician, and physicist who made significant contributions in the fields of philosophy of science, logic, and the foundations of physics. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Reichenbach initially studied mathematics and physics at the University of Berlin.

During World War I, he served as an artillery officer and became interested in the philosophy of science while recovering from injuries sustained in combat. Reichenbach went on to complete his doctoral studies in philosophy under the supervision of Max Planck and eventually became a professor at the University of Berlin.

In the 1920s, Reichenbach became associated with the Vienna Circle, a group of philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians dedicated to the promotion of logical positivism. His work in this field focused on the logical foundations of physics and the empirical basis of scientific theories. Reichenbach's influential book, "The Theory of Relativity and A Priori Knowledge," published in 1920, analyzed the implications of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and its compatibility with Kantian philosophy.

Due to his Jewish heritage, Reichenbach was forced to leave Germany in 1933 after the rise of the Nazi regime. He relocated to Istanbul and later emigrated to the United States in 1938, where he became a professor at UCLA. Reichenbach continued his work, publishing extensively and teaching until his death in 1953. His contributions to philosophy of science and philosophy of physics laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in these fields.