When a doctor tells you there�s a one percent chance that an operation
will result in your death, or a scientist claims that his theory is
probably true, what exactly does that mean? Understanding probability is
clearly very important, if we are to make good theoretical and practical
choices.
In this engaging and highly accessible introduction to the philosophy of
probability, Darrell Rowbottom takes the reader on a journey through all
the major interpretations of probability, with reference to real-world
situations. In lucid prose, he explores the many fallacies of
probabilistic reasoning, such as the �gambler�s fallacy� and the
�inverse fallacy�, and shows how we can avoid falling into these traps
by using the interpretations presented. He also illustrates the
relevance of the interpretation of probability across disciplinary
boundaries, by examining which interpretations of probability are
appropriate in diverse areas such as quantum mechanics, game theory, and
genetics.
Using entertaining dialogues to draw out the key issues at stake, this
unique book will appeal to students and scholars across philosophy, the
social sciences, and the natural sciences.