A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities (Dover Books on Mathematics) - Softcover

Laplace, Pierre-Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486288757 ISBN 13: 9780486288758

Publisher: Dover Publications, 1996

Synopsis

A classic of science, this famous essay by "the Newton of France" introduces lay readers to the concepts and uses of probability theory. It is of especial interest today as an application of mathematical techniques to problems in social and biological sciences.
Generally recognized as the founder of the modern phase of probability theory, Laplace here applies the principles and general results of his theory "to the most important questions of life, which are, in effect, for the most part, problems in probability." Thus, without the use of higher mathematics, he demonstrates the application of probability to games of chance, physics, reliability. of witnesses, astronomy, insurance, democratic government and many other areas.
General readers will find it an exhilarating experience to follow Laplace's nontechnical application of mathematical techniques to the appraisal, solution and/or prediction of the outcome of many types of problems. Skilled mathematicians, too, will enjoy and benefit from seeing how one of the immortals of science expressed so many complex ideas in such simple terms.

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0486288757
• ISBN 13: 9780486288758
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224