Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Series: Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers
Creation-Date: 2021-11-26
Number: 21-105/III
Author-Name: Jan Magnus
Author-Workplace-Name: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Title: Gauss on Least-Squares and Maximum-Likelihood Estimation
Abstract: Gauss’ 1809 discussion of least squares, which can be viewed as the beginning of mathematical statistics, is reviewed. The general consensus seems to be that Gauss’ arguments are at fault, but we show that his reasoning is in fact correct, given his self-imposed restrictions, and persuasive without these restrictions.
Classification-JEL: B16, C10
Keywords: Gauss, least squares, maximum likelihood, history
File-URL: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/21105.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 142.664 bytes
Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20210105