Causes Quote by Pierre-Simon Laplace
“The word 'chance' then expresses only our ignorance of the causes of the phenomena that we observe to occur and to succeed one another in no apparent order. Probability is relative in part to this ignorance, and in part to our knowledge.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Philosophical Essay on Probabilities, 1812
Chance reflects our lack of knowledge; probability measures this uncertainty relative to what we know.
In simple terms: Chance = ignorance; probability quantifies it.
Key Takeaway
Improve knowledge to reduce uncertainty.
Themes
science
philosophy
uncertainty
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- scientific research
- policy making
Key Concepts
probability theory
epistemology
causality
Questions to Reflect On
- What data would turn chance into certainty?
- How does belief affect probability assessment?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks deterministic interpretations.
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