Uncertain Belief by David J Bartholomew
The certainties which underpinned Christian belief have crumbled in a world where science sets the standard of what is true. A rational case for belief must therefore be constructed out of uncertainties. Probability theory provides the tools for measuring and combining uncertainties and is thus the key to progress. This book examines four much debated topics where the logic of uncertain reference can be brought to bear. These are: miracles, the paranormal, God's existence, and the Bible. Given the great diversity of evidence, it is not surprising that opposite conclusions have been drawn by supposedly rational people. An assessment of the state of the argument from a probabilistic perspective is overdue. In this book Professor Bartholomew examines and refutes some of the more extravagant claims, evaluates the weight of some of the quantitative evidence, and provides an answer to the fundamental question: can a rational person be a Christian?
Commended * The Tablet *
The author has a gift of clarity, and explains the principles of his investigation in a way that should be accessible to most readersProfessor Bartholomew considers in some detail and with great fairness such topics as miracles, the mind-brain relationship, the existence of God. * John Macquarrrie, Church Times *
The style of the book is careful and much of its detailed considerations conduct the reader over well-trodden ground. There are also some interesting side excursions. * The Times Education Supplement *
David Bartholomew offers a new perspective on the discussion of probability in relation to religious belief. Given its somewhat dry subject matter, it is pleasing to note the accessibility of Bartholomew's style. * Beverley Clack, Roehampton Institute, Theology *
The author has a gift of clarity, and explains the principles of his investigation in a way that should be accessible to most readersProfessor Bartholomew considers in some detail and with great fairness such topics as miracles, the mind-brain relationship, the existence of God. * John Macquarrrie, Church Times *
The style of the book is careful and much of its detailed considerations conduct the reader over well-trodden ground. There are also some interesting side excursions. * The Times Education Supplement *
David Bartholomew offers a new perspective on the discussion of probability in relation to religious belief. Given its somewhat dry subject matter, it is pleasing to note the accessibility of Bartholomew's style. * Beverley Clack, Roehampton Institute, Theology *
David Bartholomew is Professor Emeritus of Statistics at the London School of Economics. He graduated from University College London and worked as a lecturer and then senior lecturer in statistics at the University College of Wales, followed by appointment to a chair in statistics at the University of Kent. He was then Professor of Statistics at the London School of Economics until his retirement in 1996. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, a Member of the International Statistical Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics and has served as Honorary Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Royal Statistical Society. The focus of his recent research has been latent variable models and factor analysis
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780198270140 |
| ISBN 10 | 0198270143 |
| Title | Uncertain Belief |
| Author | David J Bartholomew |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 2000-02-24 |
| Number of pages | 300 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |