The Meaning of Probability | Nature


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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. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of


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ADDITIONAL ACCESS OPTIONS: * Log in * Learn about institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support REFERENCES * _NATURE_, 135, 451, 1073; 1935. 136, 301, Aug. 24; 1935.


* _NATURE_, 135, 451; 1935. Article  ADS  Google Scholar  Download references Authors * Herbert Dingle View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar


RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Dingle, H. The Meaning of Probability. _Nature_ 136, 423–426 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136423a0


Download citation * Issue Date: 14 September 1935 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136423a0 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Get


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