From the Mechanistic Universe to Relativity: Science, Culture, and Society in Modern History

Abstract

The evolution of time, space, and gravity concepts from Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein not only revolutionized physics but also had profound impacts on culture, philosophy, and society. During the Enlightenment, Newton's mechanistic view of the universe became a symbol of order and rationality, influencing political thought, architecture, and the arts. His ideas of absolute space and uniform time were central to urban planning, time measurement, and cartography. This era saw the consolidation of scientific knowledge in academies and museums, fostering a worldview rooted in precision and determinism. By the late 19th century, the crisis of the classical paradigm reflected a broader shift in reality perception. The rise of Einstein's theory of relativity, in a world shaped by industrialization and political instability, marked a transition to an age of uncertainty and change. Relativity reshaped physics and influenced philosophy and art, inspiring movements such as Cubism and Modernism, which explored diverse perspectives and the fragmentation of time and space. This study explores how scientific shifts intersected with cultural and intellectual history, showing that science is not an isolated pursuit but reflects the ideas and values of its time. Through analyzing scientific texts, artworks, and historical records, the connections between Newtonian physics, Enlightenment thought, relativity, and the crisis of modernity are examined. The role of museums, universities, and research centers in transmitting knowledge is also emphasized.