The Taming of Chance

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Social Science, History
Cover of the book The Taming of Chance by Ian Hacking, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian Hacking ISBN: 9781107702257
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: August 31, 1990
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Ian Hacking
ISBN: 9781107702257
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: August 31, 1990
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

In this important study Ian Hacking continues the enquiry into the origins and development of certain characteristic modes of contemporary thought undertaken in such previous works as the best-selling The Emergence of Probability. Professor Hacking shows how by the late-nineteenth century it became possible to think of statistical patterns as explanatory in themselves, and to regard the world as not necessarily deterministic in character. In the same period the idea of human nature was displaced by a model of normal people with laws of dispersion. These two parallel transformations fed into each other, so that chance made the world seem less capricious: it was legitimated because it brought order out of chaos. Combining detailed scientific historical research with characteristic philosophic breadth and verve, The Taming of Chance brings out the relations between philosophy, the physical sciences, mathematics and the development of social institutions, and provides a unique and authoritative analysis of the 'probabilisation' of the western world.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this important study Ian Hacking continues the enquiry into the origins and development of certain characteristic modes of contemporary thought undertaken in such previous works as the best-selling The Emergence of Probability. Professor Hacking shows how by the late-nineteenth century it became possible to think of statistical patterns as explanatory in themselves, and to regard the world as not necessarily deterministic in character. In the same period the idea of human nature was displaced by a model of normal people with laws of dispersion. These two parallel transformations fed into each other, so that chance made the world seem less capricious: it was legitimated because it brought order out of chaos. Combining detailed scientific historical research with characteristic philosophic breadth and verve, The Taming of Chance brings out the relations between philosophy, the physical sciences, mathematics and the development of social institutions, and provides a unique and authoritative analysis of the 'probabilisation' of the western world.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book The Cambridge Companion to Wordsworth by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Rethinking Asylum by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Terrorism and National Security Reform by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Physical Metallurgy by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book The Cambridge History of the Cold War: Volume 1, Origins by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Advancing Variable Star Astronomy by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book An Introduction to Modern Japanese: Volume 1, Grammar Lessons by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Reading John Keats by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Perspectives on Commercializing Innovation by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Figurative Language by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Focused Ion Beam Systems by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Sport, Democracy and War in Classical Athens by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Continental Drift by Ian Hacking
Cover of the book Common Law, History, and Democracy in America, 1790–1900 by Ian Hacking
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy