Purpose – This paper seeks to consider certain characteristics of the human mortality table, and the possibility that mortality rates are governed by an underlying natural law. Design/methodology/approach – After providing a brief overview of the mathematics of the mortality table, explores...

Purpose – In this two‐part series, the editorial aims to consider the role of the “scientific method” in human understanding, questioning both its consistency in actual practice and its reasonableness as a philosophy of action. Design/methodology/approach – In Part 1, the editorial...

Purpose – This editorial aims to consider certain aspects of the parallel development of statistics and actuarial science that are instructive in understanding the value of intellectual cross‐fertilization in research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses the fundamental...

Purpose – In this two-part series, the editorial aims to consider the role of the “scientific method” in human understanding, questioning both its consistency in actual practice and its reasonableness as a philosophy of action. Design/methodology/approach – In Part 1, the editorial...

Purpose – This editorial aims to consider certain aspects of the parallel development of statistics and actuarial science that are instructive in understanding the value of intellectual cross-fertilization in research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses the fundamental problem...

Purpose – This paper seeks to consider certain characteristics of the human mortality table, and the possibility that mortality rates are governed by an underlying natural law. Design/methodology/approach – After providing a brief overview of the mathematics of the mortality table, explores...

Purpose – This editorial aims to consider certain aspects of the parallel development of statistics and actuarial science that are instructive in understanding the value of intellectual cross-fertilization in research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses the fundamental problem...