Erwin Schrödinger und die Versuchungen der (Wissenschafts‐)Biografik: Vorurteilsgefüge und Mechanismen der Skandalisierung

Since late 2021, serious allegations have been made against physicist Erwin Schrödinger, ranging from pedophilia to serial sexual abuse. These accusations have significantly tarnished the Nobel Prize winner's public reputation. The ongoing debate has repeatedly raised the question of whether, and to what extent, these grave allegations are justified. So far, the discussion has suffered from an unclear factual basis, partly because key sources remain largely inaccessible. This is due, in part, to the publication of a biography ( Schrödinger: Life and Thought by Walter Moore, 1989), which was already considered problematic at the time of its release. This paper presents a review and analysis of previously unexamined sources. Alongside Schrödinger's diaries, known as Ephemerides, and letters from affected women, numerous letters and research notebooks from Moore's documents were examined to gain insight into the biographer's methods. Our findings suggest that the widely circulated allegations in the media stem from a combination of unprofessional, suggestive biographical writing and poor journalism. They do not substantiate claims of pedophilic or sexually abusive behaviour by Schrödinger.