Probability Theory: The Logic of Science

by E. T. Jaynes, G. Larry Bretthorst (Editor)

Overview

The standard rules of probability can be interpreted as uniquely valid principles in logic. In this book, E. T. Jaynes dispels the imaginary distinction between 'probability theory' and 'statistical inference', leaving a logical unity and simplicity, which provides greater technical power and flexibility in applications. This book goes beyond the conventional mathematics of probability theory, viewing the subject in a wider context. New results are discussed, along with applications of probability theory to a wide variety of problems in physics, mathematics, economics, chemistry and biology. It contains many exercises and problems, and is suitable for use as a textbook on graduate level courses involving data analysis. The material is aimed at readers who are already familiar with applied mathematics at an advanced undergraduate level or higher. The book will be of interest to scientists working in any area where inference from incomplete information is necessary.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139636322
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/10/2003
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Preface; Part I. Principles and Elementary Applications: 1. Plausible reasoning; 2. The quantitative rules; 3. Elementary sampling theory; 4. Elementary hypothesis testing; 5. Queer uses for probability theory; 6. Elementary parameter estimation; 7. The central, Gaussian or normal distribution; 8. Sufficiency, ancillarity, and all that; 9. Repetitive experiments, probability and frequency; 10. Physics of 'random experiments'; Part II. Advanced Applications: 11. Discrete prior probabilities, the entropy principle; 12. Ignorance priors and transformation groups; 13. Decision theory: historical background; 14. Simple applications of decision theory; 15. Paradoxes of probability theory; 16. Orthodox methods: historical background; 17. Principles and pathology of orthodox statistics; 18. The Ap distribution and rule of succession; 19. Physical measurements; 20. Model comparison; 21. Outliers and robustness; 22. Introduction to communication theory; References; Appendix A. Other approaches to probability theory; Appendix B. Mathematical formalities and style; Appendix C. Convolutions and cumulants.

Editorial Reviews

"...tantalizing ideas...one of the most useful and least familiar applications of Bayesian theory...Probability Theory [is] considerably more entertaining reading than the average statistics textbook...the conceptual points that underlie his attacks are often right on."
Science

"This is a work written by a scientist for scientists. As such it is to be welcomed. The reader will certainly find things with which he disagrees, but he will also find much that will cause him to think deeply not only on his usual practice by also on statistics and probability in general. Probability Theory: the Logic of Science is, for both statisticians and scientists, more than just 'recommended reading': it should be prescribed."
Mathematical Reviews

"...the rewards of reading Probability Theory can be immense."
Physics Today, Ralph Baierlein

“This is not an ordinary text. It is an unabashed, hard sell of the Bayesian approach to statistics. It is wonderfully down to earth, with hundreds of telling examples. Everyone who is interested in the problems or applications of statistics should have a serious look.”
SIAM News

"[T]he author thinks for himself…and writes in a lively way about all sorts of things. It is worth dipping into it if only for vivid expressions of opinion...There are many books on Bayesian statistics, but few with this much color."
Notices of the AMS

From the Publisher