Logic of Statistical Inference Cambridge Philosophy Classics Series

One of Ian Hacking's earliest publications, this book showcases his early ideas on the central concepts and questions surrounding statistical reasoning. He explores the basic principles of statistical reasoning and tests them, both at a philosophical level and in terms of their practical consequences for statisticians. Presented in a fresh twenty-first-century series livery, and including a specially commissioned preface written by Jan-Willem Romeijn, illuminating its enduring importance and relevance to philosophical enquiry, Hacking's influential and original work has been revived for a new generation of readers.

Preface to this edition Jan-Willem Romeijn; 1. Long run frequencies; 2. The chance set-up; 3. Support; 4. The long run; 5. The law of likelihood; 6. Statistical tests; 7. Theories of testing; 8. Random sampling; 9. The fiducial argument; 10. Estimation; 11. Point estimation; 12. Bayes' theory; 13. The subjective theory.

Ian Hacking is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He has published extensively on logic, philosophy of science, philosophy of maths and metaphysics. His most recent publications include Why Is There Philosophy of Mathematics At All? (Cambridge, 2014), Scientific Reason (2009) and Exercises in Analysis (Cambridge, 2009).