Ideas Involving the Theory of Probability Play a Decisive Part in Modern Physics. GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

Ideas involving the theory of probability play a decisive part in modern physics. Yet we still lack satisfactory, consistent definition of probability; or what amount to much the same, we still lack a satisfactory axiomatic system for the calculus of probability. The relations between probability and experience are also still in need of clarification. In investigating this problem we shall discover what will at first seem an almost insuperable objection to my methodological views. For although probability statements play such a vitally important role in empirical science, they turn out to be in principle impervious to strict falsification. Yet this very stumbling block will become a touchstone upon which to test my theory in order to find out what it is worth. Thus we are confronted with two tasks. The first is to provide new foundations for the calculus of probability. This I shall try to do by developing the theory of probability as a frequency theory along the lines followed by Richard von Mises but without the use of what he calls the 'axiom of convergence' (or 'limit axiom'), and with a somewhat weakened 'axiom of randomness'. The second task is to elucidate the relation between probability and experience. This means solving what I call the problem of decidability of probability statmenents. My hope is that these investigations will help to relieve the present unsatisfactory situation in which physicists make much use of probabilities without being able to say, consistently, what they mean by 'probability'

“Ideas involving the theory of probability play a decisive part in modern physics.”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. The statment, "The relations between probability and experience are still in need of clarification", implies that:

1. probability of an event can always be checked with experience.
2. probability of an event can only be gauged historically.
3. probability is mathematical while experience is real.
4. probability statements can become difficult to disprove without experience.
5. probability is futuristic.

2. Author has talked about the two tasks in the above package. Choose the best option from the following statements relevant to the tasks.

1. The first task is sufficient to become the touchstone for the author to test his theory.
2. The second task is sufficient for the author to test his theory.
3. Either of the tasks is sufficient for the author to test his theory.
4. None of the tasks is sufficient for the author to test his theory.
5. Both the tasks would be important for the author to test his theory.

3. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?

1. Physics is the only subject that borrows from the theory of probability.
2. Physics is the only subject where the theory of probability is inaccurately applied.
3. The theory of probability may be inaccurately applied in other subjects.
4. Physics is highly mathematical
5. Experience relates to physical objects only.

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