Final answer:
The works of Einstein and Freud contributed to a sense of uncertainty by challenging the previously held notion of a predictable universe and a rational human nature. Einstein's theories of relativity questioned the static nature of the cosmos while Freud's exploration of the subconscious undermined the idea of complete self-control and rationality. Together, they shaped a new perspective where certainty and complete knowledge were deemed elusive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideas of Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud significantly contributed to a sense of uncertainty during the early twentieth century. Einstein's work, especially his theories of relativity and the concept of the cosmological constant, suggested a universe that was not as static and predictable as previously believed. This contributed to the notion of an expanding universe, which undermined the long-standing idea of a stable, unchanging cosmos. Meanwhile, Freud's theories of the subconscious introduced the idea that human behavior is not entirely rational or under conscious control, bringing into question the Enlightenment view of a fully rational and knowable human nature.
Freudian theory further implied that attempts to create a perfect society were naive because of the irrational, often uncontrollable forces driving human behavior. Freud's notion of the Death Drive highlighted the potential for self-destruction embedded in societies. The uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, as articulated by Heisenberg, complemented the disruptive notions of Einstein and Freud by indicating that even on a fundamental physical level, certainty was unattainable.
Collectively, these ideas reshaped the perspective on human knowledge, suggesting that there are limits to what can be known and controlled. The solid, rational basis for understanding the world was thus challenged, leading to a profound sense of unpredictability and existential reevaluation in many fields, including sociology, anthropology, psychology, and physics.