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Born
Weston-super-Mare, Sumerset, England -
Doctorate in Quantum Field Theory
Trinity College, Cambridge. Polkinghorne also obtained a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in quantum field theory from this institution. -
"The Analytic S-Matrix" first published
In this work, Polkinghorne contributed to the foundations of the understanding of "S-Matrix theory". -
Elected to The Royal Society
He was elected to this British science society and recognized among other things for his contributions to the understand of fundamental particles, the discovery of the quark, and for his "development of improved theoretical models of particle behaviour which continue to be used today". This TED video discusses the "standard model" of particle physics which in turn describes quarks and other aspects of the field in which Polkinghorne contributed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehHoOYqAT_U -
Ordained as a Priest of The Church of England
In 1977, Polkinghorne decided to hang up his scientific hat and don a clerical collar. He believed that his best mathematical work was behind him and that he would find fulfillment serving the church of his lifelong faith. This was a major turning point in his life. While his professional career was remarkable, he would soon become even more prominent as a valuable ambassador between the worlds of science and religion. -
"The Way the World Is" first published
This work was Polkinghorne's first of many books aimed at bridging the gaps between science and his faith. In it he explains how he, a particle physicist, can also be a devout Christian and why those two views of the world and existence are not incompatible with one another. -
"From Physicist to Priest" published
Polkinghorne's most recent book is an autobiography describing his uncommon career change in detail. -
Citations 1/2
“John Charlton Polkinghorne”. MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive, https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Polkinghorne/ Accessed 9 January 2021. Darrell J. Turner. “John Polkinghorne” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Polkinghorne. Accessed 9 January 2021. -
Citations 2/2
“John Polkinghorne” The Royal Society, https://royalsociety.org/people/john-polkinghorne-12106/ Accessed 9 January 2021. Jonathan Butterworth. “What’s the smallest thing in the universe?” TED-Ed, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehHoOYqAT_U. Accessed 9 January 2021.
