Paul Forman

Paul Forman (born 1937) is a historian of science and retired curator of the Division of Medicine and Science at the National Museum of American History. With a primary focus on the history of physics, Forman has applied cultural history to scientific developments. He is well-known for two controversial theses. The first, known as 'the Forman thesis,' suggests that German culture had an influence on early interpretations of quantum mechanics. Forman argues that the emphasis on acausality, individuality, and visualizability in Weimar Germany contributed to the acceptance and interpretation of quantum mechanics. His second thesis explores the influence of military funding on scientific research during World War II and the Cold War, suggesting a shift from basic to applied research due to defense-related funding.