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.

About the Author

Darrell P. Rowbottom is Professor of Philosophy at Lingnan University, Hong Kong, and Associate Editor of the Australasian Journal of Philosophy

Reviews

"This is a remarkable book in that, while using the absolute minimum of mathematics, it manages to explain all the main views in the philosophy of probability clearly and accurately. Indeed it covers some recent approaches on which active research is taking place at the moment."
Donald Gillies, University College London

"Easy and fun to read, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to a wide range of important theories and issues about the nature of probability."
Timothy Williamson, University of Oxford

Book Information
ISBN 9780745652573
Author Darrell P. Rowbottom
Format Paperback
Page Count 180
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 249g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 15mm