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Class Responses and Instructor Comments

>From Akiva D.

Probability is described mathematically. Such as a die has six sides so its probability is 1/6. Chance is only when you have an occurence which has no explanation. But hume believes there must be a Law that describes each occurence. If there isnt one readily available, then we create a new one.

>rm says: Yes, or amend the ones we have to include the new event. How do you think the notion of 'chance' is related to that of 'accident'?

>From MILDRED FERENTINO:

"There is no such thing as chance in the world; our ignorance of the real cause of any event has the same influence on the understanding, and begets a like species of belief or opinion. There is certainly a probability, which arises from a superiority of chances on any side; and according as this superiority increases, and surpasses the opposite chances, the probability receives a proportionable increase, and begets still a higher degree of belief or assent to that side, in which we discover the superiority." Pg. 37

>rm says: This states Hume's position, but doesn't explain it, really. I'm looking here for an explanation of the difference. I used examples in class.

Hume Reading Guide 27. Hume says there's no such thing as chance, but there is probability. Explain the difference.		Back to Hume Reading Guide Back to Philosophy 101 Home Next Question
Enter your response to the above question, or to a previous response, in the form below, or use this email link. I will post your response on the right, and comment if I think I can be helpful. When emailing, instead of using the form, please indicate the question number. When using the form below, if you neglect to enter your name or email, I won't know who you are.	Class Responses and Instructor Comments >From Akiva D. Probability is described mathematically. Such as a die has six sides so its probability is 1/6. Chance is only when you have an occurence which has no explanation. But hume believes there must be a Law that describes each occurence. If there isnt one readily available, then we create a new one. >rm says: Yes, or amend the ones we have to include the new event. How do you think the notion of 'chance' is related to that of 'accident'? >From MILDRED FERENTINO: "There is no such thing as chance in the world; our ignorance of the real cause of any event has the same influence on the understanding, and begets a like species of belief or opinion. There is certainly a probability, which arises from a superiority of chances on any side; and according as this superiority increases, and surpasses the opposite chances, the probability receives a proportionable increase, and begets still a higher degree of belief or assent to that side, in which we discover the superiority." Pg. 37 >rm says: This states Hume's position, but doesn't explain it, really. I'm looking here for an explanation of the difference. I used examples in class.
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