Einstein, Kant, and Taoism

Abstract

It is said that Einstein's conceptual base for the theory of relativity was the philosophy formulated by Immanuel Kant. Then, is it possible to see how Kant played a role in Einstein's thinking without reading Kant's books? This question arises because it is not possible for physicists to read Kant's writings. Yes, it is possible if we use the method of physics. It is known also that Kant's mode of thinking was profoundly affected by the geography of Koenigsberg where he spent eighty years of entire life. We examine what aspect of this geography led Kant to create his philosophy upon which Einstein's concept of relativity was based. It is pointed out that the Eastern philosophy of Taoism is a product of the geographical environment similar to that of Kant's Koenigsberg, and therefore that Kantianism is strikingly similar to Taoism.