The ICRU-defined non-stochastic quantity absorbed dose is related to the stochastic quantity energy imparted. In the present paper the corresponding stochastic quantities energy transferred and net energy transferred are defined as precursors for kerma and collision kerma, respectively. This forms a rational fundamental framework for radiation dosimetry which facilitates its teaching and understanding. For neutrons collision kerma coincides with kerma, because the heavy secondaries do not lose significant energy by radiative processes (e.g., bremsstrahlung).