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Albert Einstein Typed Letters (2) Signed to Princeton Professor Julian H. Bonfante....
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Description
Einstein invokes a principle of Occam's Razor, that "the theory that is grounded on the lesser number of logically independent hypotheses (axioms) is to be preferred" and that "[t]his criterion applies to the general theory of relativity compared to Newton's theory"
Albert Einstein Typed Letters (2) Signed to Princeton Professor
Julian H. Bonfante. Two letters addressed to Professor Julian
H. Bonfante capturing an ongoing discussion on their mutual
interest in logic. Einstein draws a comparison of his general
theory of relativity to Newton's theory of gravitation, and
concludes that his theory should be selected as it is based on the
fewest assumptions. Both letters engender the vibrant intellectual
community he lived in as well as his widespread interests and
brilliant ability to synthesize information.The first letter is one page on his personal embossed letterhead measuring 8 3/8 x 10 7/8 inches, dated September 29, 1944. With this letter, Einstein invites Bonfante to visit. He writes: "I will be very happy to hear from you personally about your scientific thinking, but you must be prepared for the fact that my own relationships with logic are more instinctive than they are considered. So you will soon notice that you have no competent assessor before you. If you think it right, you could bring along our mutual friend Oppenheim, who rides a similar hobby horse. I ask you please to arrange an agreed time with Miss Dukas by telephone. With best regards, yours, A. Einstein."
Per the accompanying description when these letters were first offered at auction, the family recounts that Bonfante had written to Einstein posing a matter of logic, "Is it a fact that when facing rival theorems, the simpler one tends to be the true one?"
The Oppenheim referenced by Einstein is German chemist and philosopher Paul Oppenheim, a private scholar at Princeton and longtime friend of Einstein. That he is referenced as a mutual acquaintance suggests a level of familiarity between the Einstein and Bonfante.
Einstein's interest in logic is well documented, and his expertise on the subject was no doubt better than simply "instinctive." This is demonstrated in the careful wording of his second letter.
The second letter is one page (8 3/8 x 10 7/8 inches) on Institute of Advanced Study letterhead, dated October 15, 1944. This letter was sent after their visit and continues their discussion. He writes:
"I think your theses are essentially correct; I would phrase it like this:
A. Of two theories that represent the same complex of phenomena compatible with observation, the theory that is grounded on the lesser number of logically independent hypotheses (axioms) is to be preferred.
B. This criterion applies to the general theory of relativity compared to Newton's theory.
Note: the weak side of the formulation of A is that the number of axioms is not a sufficiently sharply defined number. They depend to a certain extent on the formulation. I believe that a more precise version of the criterion would be possible, but I do not believe that it has already succeeded.
With kind regards, A. Einstein."
Bonfante makes a notation in German in the margin alongside point A: "is the one to be preferred."
Einstein validates Bonfante's proposal that "the simpler [theorem] tends to be true" and uses a comparison of his theory of relativity to Newtonian theory to illustrate his point. He asserts that his theory of relativity meets a higher standard of simplicity by using fewer fundamental assumptions and providing a unified framework. This makes it a preferable theory under the criterion of simplicity.
Point A is quoted in Einstein's Unification by Jeroen van Dongen, and is used to exemplify Einstein's work and thought processes with regards to unification theory.
Although we are unable to find sources to confirm the extent of Einstein's relationship with Bonfante, that the letters are accompanied by two small photographs of Maia Einstein (Einstein's sister) suggests that the men met on multiple visits. Note that Maia is wearing different attire in the photos, and one is a candid pose of Maia crocheting. (Maia emigrated to the United States in 1939 and lived with her brother until her death in 1951.) The lighthearted tone of the letters suggests a convivial sharing of ideas between like-minded intellectuals.
Condition: Both letters have flattened folds, and light even toning. The October letter has minor staining along folds on the verso. Both envelopes are torn open along the top margin with usual wear and toning. Envelope for October letter has a green ink stain beneath address, and orange adhesive staining under the flap.
Auction Info
2024 July 25 Historical Platinum Signature® Auction #6294 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2024
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
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