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An introductory 2001 textbook on probability and induction written by a foremost philosopher of science.

A thorough and practical introduction to inductive logic with a focus on arguments and the rules used for making inductive inferences. This textbook offers a thorough and practical introduction to inductive logic. The book covers a range of different types of inferences with an emphasis throughout on representing them as arguments. This allows the reader to see that, although the rules and guidelines for making each type of inference differ, the purpose is always to generate a probable conclusion. After explaining the basic features of an argument and the different standards for evaluating arguments, the book covers inferences that do not require precise probabilities or the probability calculus: the induction by confirmation, inference to the best explanation, and Mill's methods. The second half of the book presents arguments that do require the probability calculus, first explaining the rules of probability, and then the proportional syllogism, inductive generalization, and Bayes' rule. Each chapter ends with practice problems and their solutions. Appendixes offer additional material on deductive logic, odds, expected value, and (very briefly) the foundations of probability. Argument and Inference can be used in critical thinking courses. It provides these courses with a coherent theme while covering the type of reasoning that is most often used in day-to-day life and in the natural, social, and medical sciences. Argument and Inference is also suitable for inductive logic and informal logic courses, as well as philosophy of sciences courses that need an introductory text on scientific and inductive methods.

The first English-language reference of its kind, The Encyclopedia of Philosophy was hailed as 'a remarkable and unique work' (Saturday Review) that contained 'the international who's who of philosophy and cultural history' (Library Journal).

What does pleasure have to do with morality? What role, if any, should intuition have in the formation of moral theory? If something is ‘simulated’, can it be immoral? This accessible and wide-ranging textbook explores these questions and many more. Key ideas in the fields of normative ethics, metaethics and applied ethics are explained rigorously and systematically, with a vivid writing style that enlivens the topics with energy and wit. Individual theories are discussed in detail in the first part of the book, before these positions are applied to a wide range of contemporary situations including business ethics, sexual ethics, and the acceptability of eating animals. A wealth of real-life examples, set out with depth and care, illuminate the complexities of different ethical approaches while conveying their modern-day relevance. This concise and highly engaging resource is tailored to the Ethics components of AQA Philosophy and OCR Religious Studies, with a clear and practical layout that includes end-of-chapter summaries, key terms, and common mistakes to avoid. It should also be of practical use for those teaching Philosophy as part of the International Baccalaureate. Ethics for A-Level is of particular value to students and teachers, but Fisher and Dimmock’s precise and scholarly approach will appeal to anyone seeking a rigorous and lively introduction to the challenging subject of ethics. Tailored to the Ethics components of AQA Philosophy and OCR Religious Studies.

This comprehensive and balanced text has been written so that the "doing" of social research is closely and consistently linked to important social issues by using real social data. End-of-chapter discussion questions, research proposal development exercises and SPSS exercises help measure and enhance students’ understanding.

Decisions We Make: How To Figure Things Out - Inductive Reasoning versus Deductive Reasoning is a most unusual book where the reader is taught how to figure things out using a step-by step process developed by one of the nation's leading behavioral scientist and best-selling author, Dr. Treat Preston. This book addresses such issues as the decisions we make, deadly decisions, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, reasoning skills, argumentation and debate, argumentation critical thinking in action. It leaves no stone unturned in its effort to teach its readers the value of being able to figure things out and developing a habit of proper decision making. Here is the TABLE OF CONTENTS: DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT:Introduction – There Are Two Sides to Every ArgumentChapter 1 - Laying A Proper FoundationChapter 2 – Inductive ReasoningChapter 3 – Deductive ReasoningChapter 4 – Intellectual versus Emotional DecisionsChapter 5 – Why We Must DecideChapter 6 – Summing It All UpI Have a Special Gift for My ReadersMeet the AuthorThe topic of “figuring things out” is not a subject taught in schools and it should be. Learning at a young age the art of reasoning and thinking is an essential tool to take from childhood into adulthood. Decision making should be based on facts and not emotion. Once all of the facts are garnered, a person is free to decide on what side of an argument they actually believe and reside but the decision should be based on fact and not emotion.

A straightforward guide to logic concepts Logic concepts are more mainstream than you may realize. There’s logic every place you look and in almost everything you do, from deciding which shirt to buy to asking your boss for a raise, and even to watching television, where themes of such shows as CSI and Numbers incorporate a variety of logistical studies. Logic For Dummies explains a vast array of logical concepts and processes in easy-to-understand language that make everything clear to you, whether you’re a college student of a student of life. You’ll find out about: Formal Logic Syllogisms Constructing proofs and refutations Propositional and predicate logic Modal and fuzzy logic Symbolic logic Deductive and inductive reasoning Logic For Dummies tracks an introductory logic course at the college level. Concrete, real-world examples help you understand each concept you encounter, while fully worked out proofs and fun logic problems encourage you students to apply what you’ve learned.