Prof. Albert Einstein (1879-1955), the discoverer of the famous Theory of Relativity and one of the most eminent scientists of our age, is considered to be a Critical Realist.[1] Einstein has clearly accepted the objective existence of the external world. He observes: "The belief in an external world independent of the perceiving subject is the basis of all natural sciences."[2]
Again, in his autobiographical notes, he writes: "Physics is an attempt coceptually to grasp reality as it is thought independently of its being observed. In this sense one speaks of physical reality."[3]
Thus, Einstein believed that the physical reality existed independently of the subject (knower). Also, Einstein appears to accept the existence of a non-physical reality. He remarks "I believe that intelligence is manifested throughout all Nature."[4]
On another occasion, stating his belief in God, he observed "I believe in Spinoza's God who reveals Himself in the harmony of all beings, not in a God who concerns himself with the fate and action of Man."[5]