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Article ID: CBB000933695

De-Anthropomorphizing Energy and Energy Conservation: The Case of Max Planck and Ernst Mach (2010)

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
Volume: 41
Pages: 146--159

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Physics Energy (physics) Philosophy of science Conservation of energy (physical concept) 20th century, early Mach, Ernst Planck, Max

Discussions on the relation between Mach and Planck usually focus on their famous controversy, a conflict between `instrumentalist' and realist philosophies of science that revolved around the specific issue of the existence of atoms. This article approaches their relation from a different perspective, comparing their analyses of energy and energy conservation. It is argued that this reveals a number of striking similarities and differences. Both Mach and Planck agreed that the law was valid, and they sought to purge energy of its anthropomorphic elements. They did so in radically different ways, however, illustrating the differences between Mach's `historical' and Planck's `rationalistic' accounts of knowledge. Planck's attempt to de-anthropomorphize energy was part of his attempt to demarcate theoretical physics from other disciplines. Mach's attempt to de-anthropomorphize energy is placed in the context of fin-de-siècle Vienna. By doing so, this article also proposes a new interpretation of Mach as a philosopher, historian and sociologist of science.

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