Equal Prior Probability

Famous quotes containing the words equal, prior and/or probability:

    The world still wants its poet-priest, a reconciler, who shall not trifle with Shakspeare the player, nor shall grope in graves with Swedenborg the mourner; but who shall see, speak, and act, with equal inspiration. For knowledge will brighten the sunshine; right is more beautiful than private affection; and love is compatible with universal wisdom.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    A diff’rent cause, says Parson Sly,
    The same effect may give:
    Poor Lubin fears, that he shall die;
    His wife, that he may live.
    —Matthew Prior (1664–1721)

    The source of Pyrrhonism comes from failing to distinguish between a demonstration, a proof and a probability. A demonstration supposes that the contradictory idea is impossible; a proof of fact is where all the reasons lead to belief, without there being any pretext for doubt; a probability is where the reasons for belief are stronger than those for doubting.
    Andrew Michael Ramsay (1686–1743)