Skip to main content
Log in

On the Kullback information measure as a basis for information theory: Comments on a proposal by Hobson and Chang

  • Articles
  • Published:
Journal of Statistical Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hobson and Chang recommend that the Kullback information measure replace the Shannon information measure as a basis for information theory. They cite several items in support of their proposal. The items are considered individually and it is shown that they do not in fact constitute sufficient reasons for accepting the Hobson/Chang proposal. It is concluded that the Shannon information measure should be retained as the basis of information theory.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. A. Hobson and B. Chang,J. Stat. Phys. 7(4):301 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  2. M. Tribus,Rational Descriptions, Decisions and Designs, Pergamon, New York (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  3. M. Tribus,J. Appl. Mech.,1961 (March):1–8.

  4. M. Tribus and R. Evans,App. Mech. Rev. 16(10):765–769 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  5. M. Tribus, P. Shannon, and R. Evans,AIChE J. 1966 (March):244–248.

  6. M. Tribus,Am. Scientist 54(2) (1966).

  7. E. T. Jaynes,Phys. Rev. 106:620–630 (1957);108:171–190 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  8. S. Wilks,Mathematical Statistics, Wiley, New York (1962).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tribus, M., Rossi, R. On the Kullback information measure as a basis for information theory: Comments on a proposal by Hobson and Chang. J Stat Phys 9, 331–338 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01012165

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01012165

Key words

Navigation