Arguments are presented to support increased emphasis on logical aspec
ts of formal methods of analysis, depending on probability in the sens
e of R. A. Fisher. Formulating probabilistic models that convey uncert
ain knowledge of objective phenomena and using such models for inducti
ve reasoning are central activities of individuals that introduce limi
ted but necessary subjectivity into science. Statistical models are cl
assified into overlapping types called here empirical, stochastic and
predictive, all drawing on a common mathematical theory of probability
, and all facilitating statements with logical and epistemic content.
Contexts in which these ideas are intended to apply are discussed via
three major examples.