The Place of Probability in Science: In Honor of Ellery Eells (1953-2006)Ellery Eells, J.H. Fetzer Science aims at the discovery of general principles of special kinds that are applicable for the explanation and prediction of the phenomena of the world in the form of theories and laws. When the phenomena themselves happen to be general, the principlesinvolved assume the form of theories; and when they are p- ticular, they assume the form of general laws. Theories themselves are sets of laws and de nitions that apply to a common domain, which makes laws indispensable to science. Understanding science thus depends upon understanding the nature of theories and laws, the logical structure of explanations and predictions based upon them, and the principles of inference and decision that apply to theories and laws. Laws and theories can differ in their form as well as in their content. The laws of quantum mechanics are indeterministic (or probabilistic), for example, while those of classical mechanics are deterministic (or universal) instead. The history of science re ects an increasing role for probabilities as properties of the world but also as measures of evidential support and as degrees of subjective belief. Our purpose is to clarify and illuminate the place of probability in science. |
Other editions - View all
The Place of Probability in Science: In Honor of Ellery Eells (1953-2006) Ellery Eells,J.H. Fetzer No preview available - 2010 |
The Place of Probability in Science: In Honor of Ellery Eells (1953-2006) Ellery Eells,J.H. Fetzer No preview available - 2012 |
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according actual agent appears apply approach argument assign assume assumption belief causal cause chance Cicero claim conception concerning confirmation consider context course decision depends determined deterministic discussion effect equal evidence example explanation express fact factors Fetzer finite function given grasping hypothesis hypothetical idea independent individual inference infinite interpretation kind laws least Lewis limiting frequency logical matter means measure mechanics natural objective observed occur outcomes paradox particular philosophy physical positive possible predictions present Press principle probabilistic probability problem propensity properties proposition quantum quantum mechanics question rational ravens reason reference relation relative frequency relevant requirement respect result satisfy selection sentences sequences single smoking specific standard statistical structure subjective suggests Suppose Theorem theory tion trials true truth understanding University variable