Pierre-Simon Laplace
Pierre-Simon Laplace (March 23, 1749 - March 5, 1827) was a French mathematician, astronomer, and physicist whose contributions were foundational to celestial mechanics, mathematical analysis, and probability theory. He is known for formulating the Laplace equation and the Laplacian operator, central tools in mathematical physics, as well as for systematically developing probability theory, including the modern formulation of Bayes’ theorem. In his work Mécanique céleste, he unified and extended Newtonian gravitation to explain the motion of celestial bodies with remarkable precision. His ideas profoundly influenced physics, statistics, and engineering in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Laplace also played a significant role in the science policy of his time, serving under several French regimes and contributing to scientific education. His deterministic view of the universe, encapsulated in the concept of "Laplace's demon", reflected his belief that complete knowledge of present conditions would allow for accurate prediction of the future.
Quotes
- The most important questions in life are, in fact, mostly problems of probability.
- Probability theory is nothing but common sense reduced to calculation.
- Read Euler, read Euler, he is our master.