Course Description:
In this course we will introduce the basics of inductive logic, i.e. the study of reasoning under uncertainty. Our main goal is to develop the skills to critically evaluate inductive arguments using mathematical tools from elementary probability theory. We will start by studying the basics of deductive logic, and move to the problem of induction, Mill’s method of inductive reasoning and the notions of necessary and sufficient conditions, the probability calculus, different interpretations of probability, Bayes’ theorem and some of its applications.
Structure:
The course structure involves weekly lectures covering the central notions of the basics of inductive logic. The content of the lectures will be — for the most part — based on the book Choice and Chance, An Introduction to Inductive Logic, by Brian Skyrms. We will also devote time in class to the solution of problems and exercises in inductive logic.
Exam:
Your final grade will be determined by the average of a number of homework assignments and a final exam.
Literature:
(Required text) Brian Skyrms, Choice and Chance. An Introduction to Inductive Logic.
Wadsworth Publishing, 4th edition, 1999.
(Recommended text) Ian Hacking, Introduction to Probability and Inductive Logic.
Cambridge University Press, 2001.
- Dozent/in: Fabio Lampert
- Dozent/in: Manuela Schlünß