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Ian Hacking
Ian Hacking was born Feb 18, 1936 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He specialized and is best known for his development in Mathematical philosophy and history, as well as in the philosophy of science. -
The Emergence of Probability
In 1975 Hacking published The Emergence of Probability which analyzed the reason why the study of probability didn't exist until the 17th century. Rather than studying why no one studied this idea before, he instead focused on what happened in that time that caused society to develop the idea of probability. The study of probability drastically changed lives. Hacking explains that it requires a degree of belief along with a connection to tendencies. -
The Emergence of Probability Citation
Hacking, Lan, et al. The Emergence of Probability: A Philosophical Study of Early Ideas about Probability, Induction and Statistical Inference. United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 1975. -
Why Does Language Matter to Philosophy?
In "Why Does Language Matter to Philosophy", Hacking compares knowledge from the past to modern-day knowledge. He explains that before, people use to learn ideas, and now people only speak sentences meaning that the development of what we know today comes from the ideas of the past, and all the knowledge we possess today is just reciting words of what we believe to be true. The purpose of this book is to create a clear picture of language's purpose in philosophy and to clear its ambiguity. -
Why Does Language Matter to Philosophy Citation
Hacking, Ian, and Hacking, Emeritus University Professor Ian. Why does language matter to philosophy?. United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 1975. -
The Taming of Chance
After Hacking's publishing of "The Emergence of Probability", he expanded his thoughts and introduced "The Taming of Chance". In this book, he goes dives deeper into probability by explaining that probability affects debates about free will, and changes our view of crime, suicide, and is applied in the fields of sociology, medicine, and the writing of history. -
The Timing of Chance Citation
Hacking, Ian, et al. The Taming of Chance. United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 1990. -
Social Construction Video
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The Social Construction of What?
In "The Social Construction of What?" Hacking speaks about the issues when it comes to social construction. He first identifies that the term "social construct" is too wide and then narrows it down to six "grades of commitment" and their weaknesses. After laying the foundation of "social construct, Hacking gives examples of the application of his idea. In his book, Hacking lays the ground work for social construction but understands that the debate goes deeper and starts the conversation. -
The Social Construction of What? Citation
Hacking, Ian. The Social Construction of What?. United Kingdom, Harvard University Press, 2000.