PHIL 5510 Probability, Induction, and Decision

This course will cover central philosophical topics in the three areas covered by the title. We shall investigate the main approaches to probability theory, the foundations of classical decision theory and game theory, the effects of empirical research on concepts of rational behavior, and the connections between formal and material approaches to induction. The goal of the class is the understand how probabilistic modes of reasoning differ from more traditional modes of justification. There are no specific pre-requisites for this class but some familiarity with formal reasoning is necessary and instructor permission is required. There will be a mixture of problem-based exercises and written papers.