Pascual Jordan was a German theoretical physicist and mathematician whose foundational research into quantum mechanics and field theory remains integral to modern physics. Beyond his academic contributions, his career was marked by active participation in German politics during the post-war era, serving as a member of the Bundestag from 1957 to 1961 while navigating a complex legacy within the scientific community.
Academic Foundations and Research
Born in 1902 in Hanover, Jordan pursued studies at Leibniz University Hannover starting in 1921 before transferring to the University of Göttingen in 1922. Graduating in 1925, he focused on theoretical physics and mathematics. His work significantly advanced the formalization of quantum mechanics, particularly through the development of canonical anticommutation relations for fermions and the creation of Jordan algebras, which later found applications in diverse fields such as number theory and complex analysis. He held teaching positions at the University of Rostock from 1929 to 1939, and later at the University of Hamburg between 1947 and 1971.
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Take the IQ test →Political Engagement and World War II
Jordan’s political life was heavily influenced by the aftermath of the First World War and a commitment to anti-communism. In 1933, he joined the Nazi Party and the Sturmabteilung. Throughout the war years, he served the Luftwaffe from 1939 to 1944. Despite his political affiliations, he remained a defender of the quantum physics pioneered by Albert Einstein, which put him at odds with proponents of the Deutsche Physik movement. Following the conflict, he served as a professor at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in 1944 and 1945 before entering parliamentary politics with the CDU.
Theoretical Pursuits and Recognition
Throughout his life, Jordan authored numerous non-fiction works and explored theoretical frameworks including the Brans-Dicke theory and concepts regarding Jordan and Einstein frames. His work was acknowledged with several honors, including the Ackermann–Teubner Memorial Award in 1937, the Max Planck Medal in 1942, and the Carl Friedrich Gauss Medal in 1955. A member of the Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz and the Evangelische Notgemeinschaft in Deutschland, he remained dedicated to exploring the intersection of science and Lutheranism until his death in 1980 in Hamburg, where he was interred at Ohlsdorf Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1902, Hanover
- Died: 1980, Hamburg
- Education: University of Göttingen (1922-1925)
- Political Party: CDU (Bundestag member 1957-1961)
- Notable work: Jordan algebra
- Military service: Luftwaffe (1939-1944)
- Burial: Ohlsdorf Cemetery
- Primary field: Theoretical physics
Questions readers ask
What are Jordan algebras?
They are nonassociative algebras devised by Jordan to formalize quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.
Did Jordan hold public office?
Yes, he served as a member of the German Bundestag from 1957 to 1961.
Where did Jordan teach after World War II?
He held a position at the University of Hamburg from 1947 until 1971.
Achievements
- Notable work: Jordan algebra
- Notable work: Brans–Dicke theory
- Notable work: Jordan and Einstein frames
- Notable work: Jordan map
- Affiliated with University of Hamburg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and University of Rostock
- Educated at Leibniz University Hannover and University of Göttingen
- Worked as physicist, politician and university teacher
