What did Fisher mean by ”inverse probability” in 1912–1922? (English) Zbl 0955.62526

Edwards, A. W. F.

Stat. Sci. 12, No. 3, 177-184 (1997).

Summary: The method of maximum likelihood was introduced by R. A. Fisher in 1912, but not until 1922 under that name. This paper seeks to elucidate what Fisher understood by the phrase ‘inverse probability,’ which he used in various ways before defining ‘likelihood’ in 1921 to clarify his meaning.

MSC:

62A01	Foundations and philosophical topics in statistics
62-03	History of statistics

References:

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