History & Growth of Induction and Contributions of Probability Theory

Induction is the process of drawing a conclusion about a phenomenon that has yet to occur, on the basis of previous observations or occurrences of similar phenomena. The inductive method seeks to aid in the search for, and discovery of, truth through experimentation, regimented observation, elimination of error, and theory formation. The logical theory of induction has developed over many centuries, with scientists, mathematicians, and scholars developing the concept of induction to aid in the attainment of knowledge of phenomena and ultimately, the discovery of laws of nature. Concurrently, the theory of probability emerged in the 17th century to aid the inductive process whereby logicians and mathematicians utilize the axioms of probability calculus to assign probability values to proposed hypotheses in order to test their strengths of explanations and predictions. Statisticians, scientists, economists, criminologists, sociologists, psychologists, doctors (especially surgeons), and philosophers of science will find this book attractive as they seek to take advantage of the nexus between induction and probability calculus to augment their professional activities.