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High pressure and black clouds: Keynes and the frequentist theory of probability

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  • Alberto Baccini

Abstract

The thesis of this paper is that Keynes wrote A Treatise on Probability in opposition to the frequentist theory of probability, systematised by John Venn, which denied any role for probability in decision theory. Keynes was interested in finding an alternative conception of probability that could be utilised as a guide of life. To analyse this point, the paper considers Keynes's criticisms of frequentist tradition in the two versions of his Fellowship dissertation, and in the published edition of his Treatise. Keynes's project is then illustrated with the famous example of whether or not to go out with one's umbrella in the situation in which the pressure is high and the clouds are black. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Baccini, 2004. "High pressure and black clouds: Keynes and the frequentist theory of probability," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 28(5), pages 653-666, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cambje:v:28:y:2004:i:5:p:653-666
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cje/beh030
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    Cited by:

    1. Alberto Baccini, 2009. "F. Y. Edgeworth's Treatise on Probabilities," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 41(1), pages 143-162, Spring.
    2. Alberto Baccini, 2007. "Edgeworth on the foundations of ethics and probability," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 79-96.
    3. Alberto Baccini, 2007. "Francis Ysidro Edgeworth on the regularity of law and the impartiality of chance," Department of Economics University of Siena 493, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
    4. Bélyácz, Iván, 2024. "A valószínűség mint döntési argumentum Keynes közgazdaságtanában [Probability as an argument of decision in Keynes economics]," Közgazdasági Szemle (Economic Review - monthly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Közgazdasági Szemle Alapítvány (Economic Review Foundation), vol. 0(1), pages 86-107.

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