Probability, Statistics and Truth [Paperback]

Richard von Mises (Author), Hilda Geiringer (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1981

This comprehensive study of probability, its relation to statistics, and its truth-finding value considers the approaches of Pascal, Laplace, Poisson, and others. It also discusses Laws of Large Numbers, the theory of errors, and other relevant topics. Numerous examples complement the text.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 2 Revised edition (September 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486242145
• ISBN-13: 978-0486242149
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,280,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad read, but marketed somewhat unfairly, September 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Probability, Statistics and Truth (Paperback)

I realize that this is a classic text and a 3-star rating is not really appropriate, but I think there's some things someone should know before buying this book that arn't spelled out. First of all, despite its fancy cover, this book is older than Ozzy. In fact, the first edition was put out in 1929 (to be fair, this is mentioned on the cover.) A lot has happened since then, but what really bothers me is how the back cover markets this book as a definitive exposition on probability. In reality, Von Mises is the advocator (inventor?) of a particular concept of probability, the (extreme) "frequentist approach." In his view, *only* sequences in a long series of observations can be modeled by probability. Now Im no expert, but I can tell you that this is extremety of viewpoint is not agreed on my many experts in the field today. If you're interested in the evolution of the theory of probability, then I think this is a fine read. But if you are wanting a thorough and complete introduction to concepts of probability and statistics, this may not be the best place to find it.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare discussion by a statistician & easy to read, July 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Probability, Statistics and Truth (Paperback)

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the meaning of statistics. Statistics is based on probability theory, which in turn is dependent on a very specific definition of 'probability'. As such, statistical interpretation should always reflect this definition. This book clarifies the meaning of probability and its impact on statistical reasoning.

It covers the 'grey area' of statistics, too often ignored in university texts.

This book is very easy to read and does not require much exposure to mathematical probability/statistics. The central ideas of the book are applied to 'practical' applications in Physics, which makes it even more interesting.

For the price, it is a great buy!

23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great frequentistic work, April 25, 1998

By 

Daniel Kian Mc Kiernan <[e-mail]... (UCSD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Probability, Statistics and Truth (Paperback)

This outstanding presentation of the frequentist interpretation of probability should be read by all seeking an understanding of what a probability really =is=. One need not accept frequentism (and I do not) to profit greatly from this work.