-
Period: to
About Ernst Mach
Ernst Mach was born February 18th, 1838 in Chirlitz, Czech Republic. Mach was an Austrian-Czech physicist and philosopher. He was the namesake for the Mach number and the optical illusion known as the Mach bands. Today he is best known for his positive view on science and his influence on philosophers and the entire field of philosophy. The members of the Vienna circle first called themselves Verein Ernst Mach because they considered themselves to be his followers.(New World Encyclopedia) -
Period: to
Schooling
Mach enrolled as a student to the University of Vienna where he studied physics, philosophy, and mathematics. In 1860 Mach got his doctorate in physics with thesis on electrical charge and induction (Stewart). His early work focused on Doppler effect in optics and acoustics (New World Encyclopedia). -
Beginning Career
Mach took the job as professor of mathematics in Graz. Two years later he was also appointed professor of physics. He then also became interested in the physiology of sensory perception.(New World Encyclopedia) -
Mach's work with Ludwig
He was the chair of professor of experimental physics at Charles University, Prague. Conducted research on retinal stimuli, auditory perception, wave motion, and studied the propagation of sound waves with the use of photographic devices. Mach’s Son Ludwig Mach was one of his closest collaborators. Ludwig assisted Mach in his experiments he conducted in Prague. They photographed the shadows of the invisible shock waves. (New World Encyclopedia) -
Published Paper
Mach Published a paper on explorations in the field of supersonic velocity. He confirmed the existence of a shock wave.(New World Encyclopedia) -
Mach's Philosophy
-
Return to Vienna
Mach returned to the University of Vienna as professor of inductive philosophy (New World Encyclopedia). -
Stroke
Mach suffered a stroke, which left is right side of his body paralyzed (Stewart). -
Retirement
He retired from active research and was appointed to Austrian parliament. While in retirement Mach still lectured and published.(New World Encyclopedia) -
Erkemtni und Irrtum
Mach published Erkemtni und Irrtum (knowledge and error) (Stewart). -
Move
He moved to Vaterstettn to live with his son Ludwig, where he continued writing and corresponding until his death (Stewart). -
Death
Mach died February 18th, 1916 from a heart disease (Stewart).