“ ... up to the present [1920] we have been able to find only a few deductions from the general theory of relativity which are capable of investigation, and to which the physics of pre-relativity days does not also lead, and this despite the profound difference in the fundamental assumptions of the two theories.” [Einstein]
Here Einstein is casting doubt on his own theory, and (surprisingly) is agreeing with the observation made by Will as quoted above. We point out that Einstein here speaks of “deductions from the general theory of relativity” as if the foundations and structure of the theory were already firmly established. The correct procedure, as outlined in the 1957 address of Pope Pius XII (see above), is glossed over by Einstein because of his admittance that the observations he claimed in support of his own theory are entwined with the physics of pre-relativity days. The correct procedure (not followed by Einstein) is, in the words of Pius XII, “to verify theory by new observations”. [See B 11 above]
“For the sun, the displacement towards the red predicted by the theory amounts to about two millionths of the wave length. A trustworthy calculation is not possible in the case of the stars, because in general neither the mass nor the radius are known. ... It is an open question whether or not this effect exists, and at the present time (1920) astronomers are working with great zeal towards the solution. Owing to the smallness of the effect in the case of the sun, it is difficult to form an opinion as to its existence. ... At all events, a definite decision will be reached during the next few years. If the displacement of lines towards the red by the gravitational potential does not exist, then the general theory of relativity will be untenable.” [Einstein]
Again we draw attention to three facts.
Firstly, that Einstein is again talking about deductions (“predictions”) from his theories while disregarding the question of foundation and structure.
Secondly, that he is uncertain about the empirical verification of one of these “predictions”; namely, the existence of the red shift of light coming from the stars.
Thirdly, by the use of the word “untenable” Einstein shows that he is not sure that his theories have any foundation.
“Apart from this one [the perihelion of Mercury], it has hitherto been possible to make only two deductions from the theory which admit of being tested by observation, to wit, the curvature of light rays by the gravitational field of the sun, and a displacement of the spectral lines reaching us from large stars, ... These two deductions from the theory have both been confirmed.” [Einstein]
For the third time we must stress that Einstein is speaking of deductions, leaving the question of the existence of a proper foundation an open question. On this occasion he states that the existence of the red shift has “been confirmed”. This claim is made in the same book from which the previous quote was taken, which stated that the red shift has not been measured.
Here we have a statement and its contradiction both being presented as equally true.
Such contradictions fall directly under the Papal condemnations of pseudo science:
“It interferes with sound judgement.” [1953; D 36 above]
“It arrests the intellectual life.” [1953; D 37 above]
“The distorted vision it offers contains a basic falsehood.” [1953; D 38 above]
“It puts man into a frame of mind unfavourable for searching and for finding supernatural Truth.” [1953; D 35 above]
“The force acting on himself [the force acting on an observer sitting eccentrically on a uniformly rotating disc], and in fact on all other bodies which are at rest relative to the disc, he regards as the effect of a gravitational field. Nevertheless, the space-distribution of this gravitational field is of a kind that would not be possible on Newton's theory of gravitation. But since the observer believes in the general theory of relativity, this does not disturb him, he is quite in the right when he believes that a general law of gravitation can be formulated – a law which not only explains the motion of the stars correctly, but also the field of force experienced by himself.” [Einstein]
No wonder Einstein avoided at all cost the scrutiny of the foundation of his theories as well as making us privy to it, for here he categorically declares that it can only be accepted by an act of faith. With his admittance that an act of faith is required to accept relativity, Einstein’s system comes dangerously close to the Papal condemnations of pseudo science because “the distorted vision it offers contains a basic falsehood.” [1953; D 38 above]
“The great power possessed by the general principle of relativity lies in the comprehensive limitation which is imposed on the laws of nature in consequence of what we have seen above.” [Einstein]
According to Pope Pius XII a man-made law is not to be imposed on Nature as a Law of Nature. The Laws of Nature are found in Nature by true science.
“So it is that the genuine law of Nature, patiently and diligently investigated in the laboratory prior to any statement or formula, is something much greater and better than a mere description or intellectual calculation. For such calculation only deals with phenomena and not with the real essence and fundamental properties of things. A genuine law of Nature does not stop short at appearances or sense-images. It plumbs the depth of reality, searches and discovers the intimate and hidden forces of phenomena, and lays bare their activity and interaction.” [1948; cf A 6 above]