Ludwig Boltzmann. Pioneer of science 20th century

Abstract

The scientific legacy of the physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1884-
1906) has been one of the most extensive and complete in the modern period.
It was developed in the context of profound transformations in the
conceptions of the scientists about the classical theories. His scientific
labour was a bridge between the Newtonism and the new Physics (quantistic
and relativistic Physics). His research in statistical mechanist, Thermodynamics
and Electromagnetism would be enough for considering him one of
the most important physicists of the final of the XIX century and the early XX
century. Additionally, his scientific work in Physics was complemented with
important contributions to the Philosophy of Science, the debate concerning
the scientific theories, the role of the hypothesis and the validity of the
classical mechanics as an absolute method in Science. His polemics with
the main supporters of the Empirecristicsm and Energetism, were key
points in the demolition of the pseudo-scientific positions and besides, in
the ending of the “Physics Crisis”. Moreover, Boltzmann a long his life performed
an intense pedagogical labour in some of the main Austrian universities.
The last statement demonstrates the extension and depth of his intellect.