USSY 226 - Probability in Modern Thought

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

The idea of probability is ubiquitous in the modern world, appearing in everything from quantum physics to business decision theory, from DNA evidence in court to the insurance industry. Yet there is controversy about the very meaning of probability itself, and any person who encounters probability--which is everyone--should be familiar with that controversy. This seminar examines what we mean by probability ascriptions. Although there will be some computational work, especially early in the semester, the seminar is not primarily a course on the mathematics of probability. Most of our focus is philosophical, sociological, and psychological, attempting to answer questions like these: In what different ways do we use the concept of probability? To what domains of knowledge can it be rightly applied? Do all legitimate conceptions of probability obey the standard mathematical axioms? How good are people at estimating probabilities? Do all the coherent uses of probability have a common conceptual core? These and other questions will be explored through class discussions and experiments, two papers, and group presentations on a variety of topics. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSSY, FSCC, FSNA, FSSO or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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