Abstract
THE subject of probability originated in the consideration of actual but trivial problems. Its obvious attractions as a field for the exercise of mathematical ingenuity soon gave it a predominantly mathematical aspect, and in spite of its application to certain practical activities such as those of insurance companies, and its significance for statistical mechanics, it has until recently been treated as a branch of pure mathematics. Nevertheless, the word has a meaning in ordinary life among those who never concern themselves with mathematics. Such people have often to act without sufficient knowledge to predict with certainty the effect of their actions, and they do so in accordance with the ‘probabilities' of the case. They do not calculate a numerical magnitude; they simply act in the way which they feel to be ‘most likely5 to produce the result they desire. Obviously, it is desirable that the precise scientific definition of probability should approximate as closely as possible to the pre-existing, indefinite conception which directs the majority of our actions. If it does not do so, it is not necessarily illegitimate mathematically or even physically, but it would then be better represented by another word.
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References
NATURE, 135, 451, 1073; 1935. 136, 301, Aug. 24; 1935.
NATURE, 135, 451; 1935.
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Dingle, H. The Meaning of Probability. Nature 136, 423–426 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136423a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136423a0