Cosmology has undergone a revolution in recent years. The exciting interplay between astronomy and fundamental physics has led to dramatic revelations, including the existence of the dark matter and the dark energy that appear to dominate our cosmos. But these discoveries only reveal themselves through small effects in noisy experimental data. Dealing with such observations requires the careful application of probability and statistics.

But it is not only in the arcane world of fundamental physics that probability theory plays such an important role. It has an impact in many aspects of our everyday life, from the law courts to the lottery.

Why then do so few people understand probability? And why do so few people understand why it is so important for science? Why do so many people think that science is about absolute certainty when, at its core, it is actually dominated by uncertainty?

This book attempts to explain the basics of probability theory, and illustrate their application across the entire spectrum of science.

Review

"...the book provides a truly enjoyable overview of the role of probability in science, as well as in everyday life. It is aimed essentially at non-specialist readers, but even those who are familiar with its contents will enjoy the stimulating presentation." -- Nature

"...refreshingly opinionated writing..." -- Times Literary Supplement

"...[a] very readable book" -- Zentralblatt Math

About the Author

Professor Peter Coles is Chair in Theoretical Astrophysics at Cardiff University, UK.