The doomsday calculation : how an equation that predicts the future is transforming everything we know about life and the universe

Resource Information

The work The doomsday calculation : how an equation that predicts the future is transforming everything we know about life and the universe represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

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Label

The doomsday calculation : how an equation that predicts the future is transforming everything we know about life and the universe

Title remainder

how an equation that predicts the future is transforming everything we know about life and the universe

Statement of responsibility

William Poundstone

Title variation

How an equation that predicts the future is transforming everything we know about life and the universe

Creator

• truePoundstone, William

Author

• truePoundstone, William

Subject

• trueForecasting
• trueForecasting -- Statistical methods
• trueKnowledge
• trueKnowledge theory
• trueLogic
• trueProbabilities
• trueBayesian statistical decision theory

Language

eng

Summary

In the 18th century, the British minister and mathematician Thomas Bayes devised a theorem that allowed him to assign probabilities to events that had never happened before. It languished in obscurity for centuries until computers came along and made it easy to crunch the numbers. Now, as the foundation of big data, Bayes' formula has become a linchpin of the digital economy. But here's where things get really interesting: Bayes' theorem can also be used to lay odds on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence; on whether we live in a Matrix-like counterfeit of reality; on the "many worlds" interpretation of quantum theory being correct; and on the biggest question of all: how long will humanity survive? The Doomsday Calculation tells how Silicon Valley's profitable formula became a controversial pivot of contemporary thought. Drawing on interviews with thought leaders around the globe, it's the story of a group of intellectual mavericks who are challenging what we thought we knew about our place in the universe. The Doomsday Calculation is compelling reading for anyone interested in our culture and its future

Tone

• trueThought-provoking

Writing style

• trueAccessible

Dewey number

150.1/5195

Illustrations

• illustrations
• charts

Index

index present

LC call number

BF39.2.B39

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Target audience

adult