Some remarks on objective Chance (F. P. Ramsey, K. R. Popper and N. R. Campbell)

Maria C. Galavotti

pp. 73-82

in: Maria L. Dalla Chiara, Roberto Giuntini, Federico Laudisa (eds), Language, quantum, music, Berlin, Springer, 1999

Abstract

The debate on "objective" chance embraces a wide range of conflicting positions, from the interpretation of chance in terms of (meta)physical propensities to a view of chance rooted in a subjectivistic framework. Though the propensity interpretation perhaps prevails over the subjective or personally oriented conception, both of them gather some consensus among philosophers, probabilists and scientists. Intermediate and alternative positions have also emerged, some of which can be considered variants of the above, while others differ in more substantial ways^l. Leaving aside the variety characterizing this debate, I will concentrate on the propensity and subjective interpretations of chance.

Cited authors

Popper Karl

Ramsey Frank P