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Kolmogorov on the role of randomness in probability theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2014

CHRISTOPHER P. PORTER
CHRISTOPHER P. PORTER*
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, U.S.A. Email: cporter2@nd.edu
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Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the extent to which Kolmogorov drew upon von Mises' work in addressing the problem of why probability is applicable to events in the real world, which I refer to as the problem of the applicability of probability, or the applicability problem for short. In particular, I highlight the role of randomness in Kolmogorov's account, and I argue that this role differs significantly from the role that randomness plays in von Mises' account.

Type
Paper
Information
Mathematical Structures in Computer Science , Volume 24 , Special Issue 3: Developments of the Concepts of Randomness, Statistic and Probability , June 2014 , e240302
Copyright
Copyright © Published by Cambridge University Press 2014 

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