relativity essay

Einstein’s theory of relativity made many common sense concepts of time and space relative. In the absence of “frames of reference” in interstellar space, up down, right left, fast slow, bigger smaller, and even night and day could only be determined from a particular point on the globe. Popular reactions to these revolutionary ideas have been expressed in science fiction, time travel movies, and even limericks like the Young Lady Named Bright. However, a more profound impact has been felt in the social sciences which along with the radical critiques of Marx and Freud, have given the twentieth century another kind of relativism of shifting perspectives. As physics professor Robert Cohen says, “What was true to one perspective might be false to another and even meaningless to a third” (Landau and Rumer 20). Using any one of these texts as an example, write an essay that gives an account of an encounter you’ve had with someone where differences of gender, age, class, ethnicity, or any other frame of reference has caused misunderstanding.

Your essay, due Monday, should be 3-4 pages. I will look for clarity, concision, and an engaging, meaningful reading experience.

~ by cehret on 19 March 2009.