Classical Probability in the Enlightenment

Daston's book is great fun to read because of its variety of well-chosen topics, thoughtfully interpreted and presented in wonderfully rich language. She . . . displays an impressive independence from conventional approaches to [the history of probability]. --Ivo Schneider, American Historical Review This book presents a comprehensive, insightful survey of the history of probability, both in terms of its scientific and its social uses. . . . It represents a substantial contribution not only to the history of probability but also to our understanding of the Enlightenment in general. --Joseph W. Dauben, American Scientist The reader feels like a twentieth-century observer set down to eavesdrop on erudite philosophical arguments on miracles and the problem of induction, and thence to wander through the streets of Europe observing lotteries, peeping inside assurance offices, and finally perhaps to witness a murderer fleeing the scene of his crime. . . . Although the Age of Reason may have turned out to be a disappointment to the probabilists of that age, Daston has provided us with an excellent history of their ideas. --Mary S. Morgan, The Times Higher Education Supplement Winner of the 1989 Pfizer Most Outstanding Book Award of the History of Science Society Winner of the 1989 Pfizer Most Outstanding Book Award of the History of Science Society The reader feels like a twentieth-century observer set down to eavesdrop on erudite philosophical arguments on miracles and the problem of induction, and thence to wander through the streets of Europe observing lotteries, peeping inside assurance offices, and finally perhaps to witness a murderer fleeing the scene of his crime... Although the Age of Reason may have turned out to be a disappointment to the probabilists of that age, Daston has provided us with an excellent history of their ideas. --Mary S. Morgan, The Times Higher Education Supplement This book presents a comprehensive, insightful survey of the history of probability, both in terms of its scientific and its social uses... It represents a substantial contribution not only to the history of probability but also to our understanding of the Enlightenment in general. --Joseph W. Dauben, American Scientist Daston's book is great fun to read because of its variety of well-chosen topics, thoughtfully interpreted and presented in wonderfully rich language. She ... displays an impressive independence from conventional approaches to [the history of probability]. --Ivo Schneider, American Historical Review