Princeton, 20 March 1952

Name: Intuition and logic
Brand: Princeton, 20 March 1952
Price: 16000.00 USD
Availability: SoldOut

Price Realised USD 20,000

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Intuition and logic

Princeton, 20 March 1952

Price Realised USD 20,000

Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed (‘A.E.’) to Michele Besso, [Princeton], 20 March 1952.

In German, one page, 279 x 214mm (damaged by waterstaining). Envelope.

Please note this is the property of a private consignor.

Published in Pierre Speziali (ed.) Albert Einstein. Michele Besso. Correspondance 1903-1955. Paris: Hermann, 1972. No. 183

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Lot Essay

On the interplay of intuition and logic in scientific theory.

'Extensive factual materials are indispensible for the establishment of a promising theory. These materials in themselves however provide no point of departure for a deductive theory; under the effect of these materials one can however succeed in "satisfying" a general principle which in itself can serve as the point of departure for a logical (deductive) theory. There is however no logical path which leads from the empirical material to the general principle on which the logical deduction is then based'. Einstein goes on: 'In general one can say as follows: the path from the specific to the general is intuitive, the path from the general to the specific is logical'.