The Science of Conjecture

Evidence and Probability before Pascal

By James Franklin | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

About the book

How did we make reliable predictions before Pascal and Fermat's discovery of the mathematics of probability in 1654? What methods in law, science, commerce, philosophy, and logic helped us to get at the truth in cases where certainty was not attainable? In The Science of Conjecture, James Franklin examines how judges, witch inquisitors, and juries evaluated evidence; how scientists weighed reasons for and against scientific theories; and how merchants counted shipwrecks to determine insurance rates.

The Science of Conjecture provides a history of rational methods of dealing with uncertainty and explores the coming to consciousness of the human understanding of risk.

Editions of The Science of Conjecture

Hardcover
ISBN 9780801865695
Paperback
ISBN 9781421418803
Paperback
ISBN 9780801871092
EBook
ISBN 9781421418810

Read an Excerpt

How did we make reliable predictions before Pascal and Fermat's discovery of the mathematics of probability in 1654? What methods in law, science, commerce, philosophy, and logic helped us to get at the truth in cases where certainty was not attainable? In The Science of Conjecture, James Franklin examines how judges, witch inquisitors, and juries evaluated evidence; how scientists weighed reasons for and against scientific theories; and how merchants counted shipwrecks to determine insurance rates.

The Science of Conjecture provides a history of rational methods of dealing with uncertainty and explores the coming to consciousness of the human understanding of risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Science of Conjecture about?

How did we make reliable predictions before Pascal and Fermat's discovery of the mathematics of probability in 1654? What methods in law, science, commerce, philosophy, and logic helped us to get at the truth in cases where certainty was not attainable? In The Science of Conjecture, James Franklin examines how judges, witch inquisitors, and juries evaluated evidence; how scientists weighed reasons for and against scientific theories; and how merchants counted shipwrecks to determine insurance rates.

The Science of Conjecture provides a history of rational methods of dealing with uncertainty and explores the coming to consciousness of the human understanding of risk.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Science of Conjecture?

Mathematics and Science > Science: general issues > History of science

Where can I read a sample of The Science of Conjecture?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780801865695

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Science of Conjecture?

James Franklin

Who is the Publisher of the book The Science of Conjecture?

Johns Hopkins University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Science of Conjecture is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780801865695) and paperback(ISBN 9781421418803) and paperback(ISBN 9780801871092) and ebook(ISBN 9781421418810)

Where can I buy The Science of Conjecture online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy The Science of Conjecture from below

Where can I buy The Science of Conjecture?