Applying Popper's Probability

TL;DR

This paper examines Karl Popper's lesser-known axiomatic probability system, revealing it does not possess some intended features and fails to address certain problems it aimed to solve.

Contribution

It provides a critical analysis of Popper's probability formulation, highlighting its limitations and discrepancies with his original intentions.

Findings

Popper's probability system lacks some features he intended.

It does not solve the problems Popper aimed to address.

The system is less effective than traditional probability models.

Abstract

Professor Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994) was one of the most influential philosophers of science of the twentieth century, best known for his doctrine of falsifiability. His axiomatic formulation of probability, however, is unknown to current scientists, though it is championed by several current philosophers of science as superior to the familiar version. Applying his system to problems identified by himself and his supporters, it is shown that it does not have some features he intended and does not solve the problems they have identified.