Einstein’s Relativity inspired by Scots philosopher
ALBERT EINSTEIN was inspired to propose his Theory of Relativity after reading the works of an 18th century Scottish philosopher, it has emerged.
A letter showed the German theoretical physicist studied David Hume’s
A Treatise of Human Nature before proposing special relativity in 1905.
The groundbreaking theory suggested that the speed of light remained the same even if the observer was speeding up or slowing down, suggesting that time and space therefore could not be constant. Yet it was Hume who first questioned whether space and time were in fact fixed, and independent of each other, and called for further scientific investigation to find out.
In A Treatise of Human Nature, published in 1738, Hume wrote: “The chief objection against all abstract reasoning is derived from the ideas of space and time. Ideas in everyday life may appear clear and intelligible, but when they pass through the scrutiny of the profound sciences... they seem full of absurdity and contradiction.”
In Einstein’s letter, written to Prof Moritz Schlick at Vienna, in December 1915 he admitted that it was Hume’s work that inspired general relativity.
“You have correctly seen that this line of thought was of great influence on my efforts and indeed Ernst Mach and still much more Hume, whose treatise on understanding I studied with eagerness and admiration shortly before finding relativity theory.”
He went on that “it is very possible that without these philosophical studies I can not say that the solution would have come”.
The letter was discovered by Prof David Purdie, of the University of Edinburgh after a conversation with the rector of Princeton University.
“He sent me to dig out the old letters of Einstein and there he was, filed away and forgotten,” Prof Purdie added.