A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities
Pierre-Simon Laplace presents the principles and general results of probability theory without the use of complex mathematical analysis. He explores the application of these concepts to human knowledge and daily life, arguing that probability is essential to understanding both natural events and moral reasoning.
License
Public Domain
Originally published
1814
Latest release
Oct 9, 2026
Pages
95
Format
A4 (210 × 297 mm)
Book type
Textbook
Table of Contents
- PART I. A PHILOSOPHICAL ESSAY ON PROBABILITIES
- CHAPTER II. CONCERNING PROBABILITY
- CHAPTER III. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES
- CHAPTER IV. CONCERNING HOPE
- CHAPTER V. CONCERNING THE ANALYTICAL METHODS OF THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES
- PART II. APPLICATIONS OF THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES
- CHAPTER VII. CONCERNING THE UNKNOWN INEQUALITIES WHICH MAY EXIST AMONG CHANCES WHICH ARE SUPPOSED EQUAL
- CHAPTER VIII. CONCERNING THE LAWS OF PROBABILITY WHICH RESULT FROM THE INDEFINITE MULTIPLICATION OF EVENTS.
- CHAPTER IX. THE APPLICATION OF THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES TO NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
- CHAPTER X. APPLICATION OF THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES TO THE MORAL SCIENCES
- CHAPTER XI. CONCERNING THE PROBABILITIES OF TESTIMONIES
- CHAPTER XII. CONCERNING THE SELECTIONS AND THE DECISIONS OF ASSEMBLIES.
- CHAPTER XIII. CONCERNING THE PROBABILITY OF THE JUDGMENTS OF TRIBUNALS
- CHAPTER XIV. CONCERNING TABLES OF MORTALITY, AND OF MEAN DURATIONS OF LIFE, OF MARRIAGES, AND OF ASSOCIATIONS.
- CHAPTER XV. CONCERNING THE BENEFITS OF INSTITUTIONS WHICH DEPEND UPON THE PROBABILITY OF EVENTS
- CHAPTER XVI. CONCERNING ILLUSIONS IN THE ESTIMATION OF PROBABILITIES
- CHAPTER XVII. CONCERNING THE VARIOUS MEANS OF APPROACHING CERTAINTY
- CHAPTER XVIII. HISTORICAL NOTICE CONCERNING THE CALCULUS OF PROBABILITIES