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Ian Hacking
Ian Hacking is a philosopher from Vancouver, British Columbia. He was born on February, 18th 1936 and passed away on May 10, 2023. He attended British Columbia and Trinity college. He started his teaching career as an instructor at Princeton University in 1960 then moved to University of Virginia as an assistant professor. -
The Logic of Statistical Inference
Ian Hacking's early work in the philosophy of science began with "The Logic of Statistical Inference" (1962), where he engaged with foundational issues in statistics. His analysis laid the groundwork for understanding the nature of statistical reasoning and its role in scientific inference. Hacking grappled with questions about the logic underpinning statistical methods, contributing significantly to the philosophy of science and statistics. -
Representing and Intervening
In 1983, Hacking published "Representing and Intervening," a pivotal work that explored the relationship between scientific representation and experimentation. Hacking's examination of how scientists represent and manipulate phenomena through experimentation became a cornerstone in the philosophy of science. The book is essential for understanding the interplay between theory and experimentation in scientific practice. -
Making Up People
"Making Up People" (1986) marked a significant shift in Hacking's focus. In this work, he delved into the realms of psychiatry and psychology, examining the classification and construction of people within these fields. Hacking's exploration of the social and cultural aspects of identity formation and the influence of psychological categories on individual experiences further expanded the philosophy of science into the study of human behavior. -
The Taming of Chance
"The Taming of Chance" (1990) contributed to Hacking's exploration of the history and philosophy of science. Focused on the development of probability and statistical reasoning, the book provided insights into how concepts of chance have evolved over time. Hacking's interdisciplinary approach bridged the gap between history, philosophy, and the social sciences, leaving a lasting impact on the understanding of probability in scientific thought. -
References
Hacking, Ian. "The Logic of Statistical Inference." Cambridge University Press, 1965. Hacking, Ian. "Representing and Intervening: Introductory Topics in the Philosophy of Natural Science." Cambridge University Press, 1983. Hacking, Ian. "Making Up People." Reidel, 1986. Hacking, Ian. "The Taming of Chance." Cambridge University Press, 1990. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE94nNB2WOc