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Mathematics
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
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Mathematics
Article . 2025
Data sources: DOAJ
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Random Variables Aren’t Random

Authors: Paul W. Vos;

Random Variables Aren’t Random

Abstract

This paper examines the foundational concept of random variables in probability theory and statistical inference, demonstrating that their mathematical definition requires no reference to randomization or hypothetical repeated sampling. We show how measure-theoretic probability provides a framework for modeling populations through distributions, leading to three key contributions. First, we establish that random variables, properly understood as measurable functions, can be fully characterized without appealing to infinite hypothetical samples. Second, we demonstrate how this perspective enables statistical inference through logical rather than probabilistic reasoning, extending the reductio ad absurdum argument from deductive to inductive inference. Third, we show how this framework naturally leads to an information-based assessment of statistical procedures, replacing traditional inference metrics that emphasize bias and variance with information-based approaches that describe the families of distributions used in parametric inference better. This reformulation addresses long-standing debates in statistical inference while providing a more coherent theoretical foundation. Our approach offers an alternative to traditional frequentist inference that maintains mathematical rigor while avoiding the philosophical complications inherent in repeated sampling interpretations.

Keywords

Fisher-information-logic, single-instance randomization, QA1-939, distribution theory, measure-theoretic probability, statistical foundations, Mathematics

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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