Why do people assume notable physicists are all-purpose experts?

Question

What made people so interested in what Einstein etc. thought about religion or economics? No one cares what C.S. Lewis or Keynes thought about physics, so why the opposite?

Answer 1

Thats a difficult one to answer.

I would suggest its because being a hard science based on empiricism, physics and physicists have a bigger profile over religion and economics.

Empiricism is a much easier sell to the common man than abstract ideas and spiritual revelation. Its the law of the lowest common denominator. Anyone can appreciate the observable.

So, with physicists enjoying the biggest fan base, the expectations on them are much more varied, and of course, dumber as well... The herd would be more likely to expect the physicists to explain the inappreciable (like religion and abstract ideas).

Eg. you might ask a doctor to explain witch doctors, but you won't ask a witch doctor to explain western medicine.

Answer 2

People assume that genius in one area translates into smartness in many areas. Also, Einstein's reputation is different than that of Lewis' or Keynes' in that his was a pop culture phenomenon. Society needs a symbol of genius, and settled on Einstein as that symbol.

Actually I don't know that I would call either Lewis or Keynes geniuses in their fields. Lewis' christian apologetics were embarrasingly rife with shoddy thinking and obvious logical fallacies. Similarly, Keynes' economic theories have been rather thoroughly dissected and found to be problematic on a number of levels. And neither had any truly revolutionary, breakthrough ideas like Einstein did.

Einstein may not have been an expert in religion or economics, but a man of his intelligence and creativity is a good source to look for fresh, creative new ideas. It is, of course, no guarantee that what he has to say will be of any value or even factually correct, but it's natural to assume that his thoughts on other subjects are likely to be well thought-out.

Answer 3

Maybe because conceptual physics touches on philosophical issues, so people who are geniuses in this area are looked to for all sorts of important life wisdom. And sometimes, they have valuable things to say. But you're right. It's important to remember that these people are, after all, just physicists. Maybe your uncle Fred, the insurance salesman, has as much wisdom to offer, but no one is asking.

Answer 4

Einstein had one good quote: Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. He sweat working hard at public relations. Even since his day it's hype that sells books in many cases more than content.

Answer 5

Oh hell no! yet interior the protection of theists, we atheists in many cases say that we use technology as a replace of religion. So i do no longer blame human beings for asking me technology questions. it is likewise probable a biproduct of many atheists claiming that theists do no longer understand technology. Theists will then assume that the atheists are claiming to have a respectable know-how of technology. P.S. I see a ton of technology questions, maximum approximately evolution, that are directed at Creationists. as quickly as I ask them questions approximately technology, i do no longer assume that they are specialists.