Scientific Inference

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, Science
Cover of the book Scientific Inference by Harold Jeffreys, Read Books Ltd.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Harold Jeffreys ISBN: 9781447494782
Publisher: Read Books Ltd. Publication: November 18, 2011
Imprint: Muller Press Language: English
Author: Harold Jeffreys
ISBN: 9781447494782
Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
Publication: November 18, 2011
Imprint: Muller Press
Language: English

Originally published in 1931. The present work had its beginnings in a series of papers published jointly some years ago by Dr Dorothy Wrinch and myself. Both before and since that time several books purporting to give analyses of the principles of scientific inquiry have appeared, but it seems to me that none of them gives adequate attention to the chief guiding principle of both scientific and everyday knowledge that it is possible to learn from experience and to make inferences from it beyond the data directly known by sensation. Discussions from the philosophical and logical point of view have tended to the conclusion that this principle cannot be justified by logic alone, which is true, and have left it at that. In discussions by physicists, on the other hand, it hardly seems to be noticed that such a principle exists. In the present work the principle is frankly adopted as a primitive postulate and its consequences are developed. It is found to lead to an explanation and a justification of the high probabilities attached in practice to simple quantitative laws, and thereby to a recasting of the processes involved in description. As illustrations of the actual relations of scientific laws to experience it is shown how the sciences of mensuration and dynamics may be developed. I have been stimulated to an interest in the subject myself on account of the fact that in my work in the subjects of cosmogony and geophysics it has habitually been necessary to apply physical laws far beyond their original range of verification in both time and distance, and the problems involved in such extrapolation have therefore always been prominent. This is a high quality digital version of the original title, thus a few of the images may be slightly blurred and difficult to read.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Originally published in 1931. The present work had its beginnings in a series of papers published jointly some years ago by Dr Dorothy Wrinch and myself. Both before and since that time several books purporting to give analyses of the principles of scientific inquiry have appeared, but it seems to me that none of them gives adequate attention to the chief guiding principle of both scientific and everyday knowledge that it is possible to learn from experience and to make inferences from it beyond the data directly known by sensation. Discussions from the philosophical and logical point of view have tended to the conclusion that this principle cannot be justified by logic alone, which is true, and have left it at that. In discussions by physicists, on the other hand, it hardly seems to be noticed that such a principle exists. In the present work the principle is frankly adopted as a primitive postulate and its consequences are developed. It is found to lead to an explanation and a justification of the high probabilities attached in practice to simple quantitative laws, and thereby to a recasting of the processes involved in description. As illustrations of the actual relations of scientific laws to experience it is shown how the sciences of mensuration and dynamics may be developed. I have been stimulated to an interest in the subject myself on account of the fact that in my work in the subjects of cosmogony and geophysics it has habitually been necessary to apply physical laws far beyond their original range of verification in both time and distance, and the problems involved in such extrapolation have therefore always been prominent. This is a high quality digital version of the original title, thus a few of the images may be slightly blurred and difficult to read.

More books from Read Books Ltd.

Cover of the book Tool-Steel - A Concise Handbook on Tool-Steel in General - Its Treatment in the Operations of Forging, Annealing, Hardening, Tempering and the Appliances Therefor by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book The Witchery of Archery by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Biarritz and Basque Countries by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Diseases of the Vine - Two Articles by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Live Successfully! Book No. 4 - Memory, Concentration and Habit by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad (Fantasy and Horror Classics) by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Simplicity Sewing Book for Young Fashion Designers by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book A Book of Vintage Designs and Instructions for Making Outdoor Furniture and Other Garden Items by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Nougat - How They Used to Do It by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Old English Nursery Songs - Pictured by Anne Anderson by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Handbook Of Antique Chairs by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Under The Lash - A History Of Corporal Punishment In The British Armed Forces by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Punjab - In Ladakh and Kashmir in Peshawar, Kabul, Kunduz and Bokhara - Vol. I by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Cats - Long Haired and Short - Their Breeding, Rearing & Showing by Harold Jeffreys
Cover of the book Sailing Directions For Nova Scotia, Bay Of Fundy, And South Shore Of Gulf Of St. Lawrence by Harold Jeffreys
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy