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R. A. Fisher on Bayes and Bayes’ Theorem

R. A. Fisher on Bayes and Bayes’ Theorem
R. A. Fisher on Bayes and Bayes’ Theorem
Ronald Fisher believed that "The theory of inverse probability is founded upon an error, and must be wholly rejected." This note describes how Fisher divided responsibility for the error between Bayes and Laplace. Bayes he admired for formulating the problem, producing a solution and then withholding it; Laplace he blamed for promulgating the theory and for distorting the concept of probability to accommodate the theory. At the end of his life Fisher added a refinement: in the Essay Bayes had anticipated one of Fisher's own fiducial arguments.
Ronald Fisher, Thomas Bayes, Pierre-Simon Laplace, Dennis Lindley, Bayes' Theorem, Inverse probability
1931-6690
161-170
Aldrich, John
a8ab8666-24a2-4d98-83bb-6053438c00ee
Aldrich, John
a8ab8666-24a2-4d98-83bb-6053438c00ee

Aldrich, John (2008) R. A. Fisher on Bayes and Bayes’ Theorem. Bayesian Analysis, 3 (1), 161-170. (doi:10.1214/08-BA306).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Ronald Fisher believed that "The theory of inverse probability is founded upon an error, and must be wholly rejected." This note describes how Fisher divided responsibility for the error between Bayes and Laplace. Bayes he admired for formulating the problem, producing a solution and then withholding it; Laplace he blamed for promulgating the theory and for distorting the concept of probability to accommodate the theory. At the end of his life Fisher added a refinement: in the Essay Bayes had anticipated one of Fisher's own fiducial arguments.

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Published date: 2008
Keywords: Ronald Fisher, Thomas Bayes, Pierre-Simon Laplace, Dennis Lindley, Bayes' Theorem, Inverse probability

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Local EPrints ID: 63034
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/63034
ISSN: 1931-6690
PURE UUID: 0aabfb28-ddfb-497c-9e2f-914cb5add359

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Date deposited: 03 Sep 2008
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 11:34

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