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PHIL 266 Introduction to Probability and Inductive Logic Units: 3.00
This course introduces the basic concepts, tools, and techniques of probability and inductive logic. Topics to be covered include: calculating probabilities; chance and risk; paradoxes of decision; theories of probability; probability statistics; the philosophical problem of induction; anthropic reasoning and the simulation hypothesis.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 2 or above.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Use the axioms of logic and probability, including Boyes' Theorem, to calculate the probabilities of propositions/events given information presented in natural language.
- Construct payoff-matrices from natural language descriptions of situations where a risky decision is necessary and explain the paradoxes of group decisions.
- Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the four major theories of probability.
- Demonstrate understanding of the logical structure of statistical propositions by defining and calculating confidence intervals, p-values, standard deviations, and related quantities.
- Explain the philosophical problem of induction, its significance, and its proposed solutions.
- Explain the logic of anthropic reasoning and its application to experience.