Richard von Mises: Probability

“It has been asserted - and this is no overstatement - that whereas other sciences draw their conclusions from what we know, the science of probability derives its most important results from what we do not know.”

Richard von Mises

Second Lecture, The Elements of the Theory of Probability, p. 30
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

Science , Drawing

“Starting from a logically clear concept of probability, based on experience, using arguments which are usually called statistical, we can discover truth in wide domains of human interest.”

Richard von Mises

Sixth Lecture, Statistical Problems in Physics, p. 220
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

Truth

“It is useful to have a short expression for denoting the whole of the probabilities attached to the different attributes in a collective. We shall use for this purpose the word distribution.”

Richard von Mises

Second Lecture, The Elements of the Theory of Probability, p. 35 (See also: probability space)
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

“Because certain elements of geometry have for a long time been included in the general course of education, every educated man is able to distinguish between the practical task of the land surveyor and the theoretical investigation of the geometer. The corresponding distinction between the theory of probability and statistics has yet to be recognized.”

Richard von Mises

Second Lecture, The Elements of the Theory of Probability, p. 32
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

Education , Time

“Apart from this older generation, there is scarcely a modern mathematician who still adheres without reservation to the classical theory of probability. The majority have more or less accepted the frequency definition.”

Richard von Mises

Third Lecture, Critical Discussion of the Foundations of Probability, p. 81
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

“If the concept of probability and the formulae of the theory of probability are used without a clear understanding of the collectives involved, one may arrive at entirely misleading results.”

Richard von Mises

Fifth Lecture, Applications in Statistics and the Theory of Errors, p. 166
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

Understanding

“The theory of probability can never lead to a definite statement concerning a single event.”

Richard von Mises

Second Lecture, The Elements of the Theory of Probability, p. 33
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

“Mass phenomena to which the theory of probability does not apply are, of course, of common occurrence.”

Richard von Mises

Fifth Lecture, Applications in Statistics and the Theory of Errors, p. 141
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

“It seems to me that if somebody intends to marry and wants to find out 'scientifically' if his choice will probably be successful, then he can be helped, perhaps, by psychology, physiology, eugenics, or sociology, but surely by a science which centres around the word 'probable.”

Richard von Mises

Third Lecture, Critical Discussion of the Foundations of Probability, p. 94-95
Probability, Statistics And Truth - Second Revised English Edition - (1957)

Science , Success , Help