An Objective Theory of Probability (Routledge Revivals)

This reissue of D. A. Gillies highly influential work first published in 1973 is a philosophical theory of probability which seeks to develop von Misesâ views on the subject. In agreement with von Mises the author regards probability theory as a mathematical science like mechanics or electrodynamics and probability as an objective measurable concept like force mass or charge. On the other hand Dr Gillies rejects von Misesâ definition of probability in terms of limiting frequency and claims that probability should be taken as a primitive or undefined term in accordance with modern axiomatic approaches. This of course raises the problem of how the abstract calculus of probability should be connected with the âactual world of experimentsâ. It is suggested that this link should be established not by a definition of probability but by an application of Popperâs concept of falsifiability. In addition to formulating his own interesting theory Dr Gillies gives a detailed criticism of the generally accepted Neyman Pearson theory of testing as well as of alternative philosophical approaches to probability theory. The reissue will be of interest both to philosophers with no previous knowledge of probability theory and to mathematicians interested in the foundations of probability theory and statistics. . Language: English