Introduction to Probability &_Inductive Logic

by Ian Hacking

This is an introductory textbook on probability and induction written by one of the world's foremost philosophers of science. The book has been designed to offer maximal accessibility to the widest range of students (not only those majoring in philosophy) and assumes no formal training in elementary symbolic logic. It offers a comprehensive course covering all basic definitions of induction and probability, and considers such topics as decision theory, Bayesianism, frequency ideas, and the philosophical problem of induction. The key features of the book are: * A lively and vigorous prose style* Lucid and systematic organization and presentation of the ideas* Many practical applications* A rich supply of exercises drawing on examples from such fields as psychology, ecology, economics, bioethics, engineering, and political science* Numerous brief historical accounts of how fundamental ideas of probability and induction developed.* A full bibliography of further reading Although designed primarily for courses in philosophy, the book could certainly be read and enjoyed by those in the social sciences (particularly psychology, economics, political science and sociology) or medical sciences such as epidemiology seeking a reader-friendly account of the basic ideas of probability and induction. Ian Hacking is University Professor, University of Toronto. He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the British Academy, and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. he is author of many books including five previous books with Cambridge (The Logic of Statistical Inference, Why Does Language Matter to Philosophy?, The Emergence of Probability, Representing and Intervening, and The Taming of Chance).

Genres: Philosophy, Logic, Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction, Reference, History

Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

About the author

Ian Hacking is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Toronto, specialised in the History of Science.

Wikipedia entry

Reviews

[Chuck Kollars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent coverage of statistical math from a philosophy point of view. Delves into various ways to "interpret" the correspondence between real life and the math. Presents all the options without leaning any particular way.

Formatted as a textbook, with short chapters, lots and lots of exercises, and answers.

I selected this -without knowing exactly what it was- as an aid to my investigation of "clear thinking". It did a better job of that than most other things I've read ...although I still pine for a presentation listing all the common ways that propagandists spin their case.

[VW · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for learning to reason about probabilities and statistics, without requiring a scientific background. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to be better informed (or less fooled!) by statistics, or simply to make decisions pragmatically in everyday life.

Even as someone who has had more 'math-heavy' probability classes at university, I enjoyed reading this book, because it enabled me to take a step back from the formulas.

[Nathan Shantz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad. Very bad. Not enjoyable.

[Venkatesh-Prasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this gem of a book to get better intuition about probability, different kinds of probabilities, and relation to logic. I loved Ian's exposition style: clear and elaborate; no "left to reader" remarks. It has just the necessary and simple math to get the fundamentals and ideas. Also, the historical bits about the pioneers in the field of probability at the end of each chapter was interesting.

[Lucille Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is what it says on the tin: an introduction to probability and inductive logic. Organized like a good undergraduate textbook, a bit thin all things considered but a good starting point for those interested in the subject. Definitely not much more than a first look, though, would serve well for a 100- or 200- level college course on the subject.

[Lulu]

Level 2: epistemology

[Ragdoll Metaphysics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty light the exercises are solid - interesting discussion of classic debates in the philosophical foundations of statistics

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and easily accessible due to the writing style and clever examples, this is an essential introduction to the philosophy behind probability.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear survey of inductive logic for undergrads. I'm a little disappointed about the philosophical content, but he does give some advanced readings at the end of each chapter where the actual debate over what this stuff means is mentioned. Hacking leaves the philosophy alone and sticks to the nuts and bolts of the subject and mastering simple exercises. There is a little vagueness about the law of large numbers that could be handled by looking at a random walk (Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 1!!!).

[Alexandre Guay]

Un excellent livre d'introduction à la logique inductive! Plein d'exemples et de problèmes pour les étudiants. On s'étonne à la lecture que malgré le côté élémentaire du livre certains passages soient particulièrement brillants. La sagesse de Hacking ne pouvait pas vraiment se mettre à off j'imagine.

[Asim Bakhshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a lot of time to finish this with long breaks but it was indeed an engaging text. A must read for all students and teachers of applications of probability who want to cover necessary philosophical ground.

[Dave Peticolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle introduction to probability theory for students of philosophy.