The objective-subjective dichotomy and its use in describing probability

摘要

This article reviews the nature of the objective-subjective dichotomy, first from a general historical point of view, and then with regard to the use of these terms over time to describe theories of probability. The different (metaphysical and epistemological) meanings of 'objective' and 'subjective' are analysed, and then used to show that all probability theories can be divided into three broad classes. A formal definition of (epistemological) objectivity is given and used to clarify this division.