The Relevance of Interpretation of Probability for Modern Physics

Peter Lukan
Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract I will discuss the role of statistics and probability in the formation of some modern physical concepts. My aim is to show how the gradual progress of statistical and probabilistic thinking within physics, from the theory of errors on to the kinetic theory of gasses and atomism, enforced some existing concepts and introduced some new ones that had a major impact in the turn from classical to modern physics. This resulted also in the notion of statistical laws. I will point some problems in the interpretation of quantum mechanics that have roots already in classical statistical and probability theory. By doing this I want to argue for the need of interpretation of probability in order to make a step toward the reconciliation of the quantum and classical world.