The London School of Economics served as the professional home for David John Bartholomew from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. During this period, he solidified his reputation as a significant contributor to the field of statistics, focusing extensively on stochastic models for social processes and the interpretation of multivariate data for social scientists.
Early Career and Academic Path
Born in 1931 in Oakley, Bedfordshire, Bartholomew received his secondary education at Bedford Modern School. He continued his studies at University College London, where he completed both his Bachelor of Science and his doctorate. His professional life began in 1955 when he joined the National Coal Board as a scientist. Transitioning into academia shortly thereafter, he held lecturing positions at the University of Keele and the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.
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In 1967, Bartholomew moved to the University of Kent to serve as a professor of statistics. This appointment preceded his move to the London School of Economics in 1973. While at the London School of Economics, he also acted as pro-director and emeritus professor between 1988 and 1991. His leadership within the professional community was marked by his tenure as president of the Royal Statistical Society from 1993 to 1995, having previously served as their treasurer and honorary secretary.
Exploration of Theology and Chance
Beyond his quantitative work, Bartholomew wrote extensively on the relationship between statistical probability and religious belief. His publications, including God of Chance in 1984, Uncertain Belief: Is It Rational to Be a Christian? in 1996, and God, Chance and Purpose in 2008, examined the role of design within a world governed by random variables. He engaged in public discourse on these topics, including a debate with physicist Victor Stenger regarding the existence of God.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Oakley
- Died: 2017
- Education: Bedford Modern School, University College London
- Professional Role: President, Royal Statistical Society (1993-1995)
- Key Academic Posting: Professor of Statistics, London School of Economics (1973-1996)
- Fellowship: British Academy
- Award: Guy Medal in Bronze (1971)
- Notable Book: Stochastic Models for Social Processes
Questions readers ask
What subjects did David John Bartholomew research?
He specialized in statistics, specifically stochastic models, manpower planning, latent variable models, and the intersection of probability theory with religious belief.
Was David John Bartholomew affiliated with any professional bodies?
Yes, he was a fellow of the Royal Society, the British Academy, and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and he served as president of the Royal Statistical Society.
Achievements
- Guy Medal in Bronze — 1971
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