
Nomic Probability and the Foundations of Induction
John L. Pollock(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 26. April 1990
Book
Hardback
368 pages
978-0-19-506013-3 (ISBN)
Description
This book deals with the subject of probabilistic reasoning. Professor Pollock attempts to make general philosophical sense of objective probabilities and he explores their relationship to the problem of induction. He argues that probability is fundamental not only to physical science, but to induction, epistemology, the philosophy of science and to much reasoning of interest to artificial intelligence. He attempts to show how his understanding of probability throws light on these related issues.
Pollock's main claim is that the fundamental notion of probability is nomic - that is, it involves the notion of natural law, valid across possible worlds. The various epistemic and statistical conceptions of probability, he demonstrates, are derived from this nomic notion. He goes on to provide a theory of statistical induction; an account of computational principles allowing some probabilities to be derived from others; an account of acceptance rules; and a theory of direct inference.
Pollock's main claim is that the fundamental notion of probability is nomic - that is, it involves the notion of natural law, valid across possible worlds. The various epistemic and statistical conceptions of probability, he demonstrates, are derived from this nomic notion. He goes on to provide a theory of statistical induction; an account of computational principles allowing some probabilities to be derived from others; an account of acceptance rules; and a theory of direct inference.
Reviews / Votes
The book gives evidence of a powerful philosophical mind, and it is well worth the investment its careful study requires. * Philosophical Review *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
line illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
644 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-506013-3 (9780195060133)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

John L. Pollock
Nomic Probability and the Foundations of Induction
E-Book
02/1990
OUP eBook
€168.99
Available for download