The Problem of Points

Andres Cantillo

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: According to Katz [6] some of the basic notions of probability existed in ancient civilizations. In The Talmud and in Roman calculations of annuities there is some evidence of this. However, no record of numerical probability calculations exists. Hald [5], Bernstein [1] and Katz [6] agree that this numerical development was intimately linked to the study of gambling, contracts and profits. These authors also coincide in that the formulation of “The Problem of Points” is a crucial event. The paper is centered on evaluating and explaining the history of the formulation of “The Problem of Points”. The solution to this problem originated the deductive notions of probability [5]. I will center my attention on the formulation and attempt of solution by Pacioli [4], Cardano [2], Tartaglia [14] and Forestani [4]. In this process Cardano began to unveil some principles that are coherent with a modern theory of probability.

Keywords: History of Probability; Uncertainty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C19 C79 Y80 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-03-25
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