The Concept of Probability in Mathematics and Physics (on the 1920-30 Discussions in Soviet Scientific Literature)

Abstract

In the Soviet scientific literature of 1920-30 the concept of probability was holly debated. The frequency concept which was proposed by R.von Mises became popular among Soviet physicists belonging to the L.I.Mandelstam community. Landau and Lifshitz were also close to this concept in their famous course of theoretical physics. A.Khinchin, a mathematician who cooperated with Kolmogorov, opposed to the frequency conception. In this paper we try to demonstrate that the frequency position was connected with the anthropomorphous approach to physics, whereas Khinchin’s positions implied the criticism of anthropomorphism and put forward the ideal of objective knowledge.