Author Description
Another Title In The Reissued Oxford Classic Texts In The Physical Sciences Series, Jeffrey's Theory Of Probability, First Published In 1939, Was The First To Develop A Fundamental Theory Of Scientific Inference Based On The Ideas Of Bayesian Statistics. His Ideas Were Way Ahead Of Their Time And It Is Only In The Past Ten Years That The Subject Of Bayes' Factors Has Been Significantly Developed And Extended. Until Recently The Two Schools Of Statistics (bayesian And Frequentist) Were Distinctly Different And Set Apart. Recent Work (aided By Increased Computer Power And Availability) Has Changed All That And Today's Graduate Students And Researchers All Require An Understanding Of Bayesian Ideas. This Book Is Their Starting Point.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This text investigates the foundational principles of scientific inference through the lens of Bayesian probability. Sir Harold Jeffreys, a polymath and geophysicist, constructs a rigorous mathematical framework that challenges the frequentist dominance of his era. By formalizing the use of Bayes' factors, he provides a systematic method for evaluating scientific hypotheses based on prior knowledge and observed data.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive development of Bayesian statistical theory
- Mathematical derivations for scientific inference
- Theoretical foundations for Bayes' factors
Scope Limits
- The text does not cover modern computational methods or software-based statistical modeling
- It focuses on theoretical principles rather than applied data science tutorials
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a foundational text that anticipated the modern resurgence of Bayesian statistics. Readers frequently note the high level of mathematical density and the historical significance of the prose in shaping contemporary statistical thought.
Page Count:
470
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
Publisher:
Oup Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191589675
ISBN-13:
9780191589676
Science
Mathematics
Probability Theory
Scientific Inference
Statistics
Bayesian Statistics