Paradoxes in Scientific Inference [Chang]

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Paradoxes in Scientific Inference 
By Mark Chang

Summary

Paradoxes in Scientific Inference by Mark Chang explores how seemingly contradictory ideas can deepen our understanding of scientific reasoning rather than undermine it. Using paradoxes drawn from mathematics, statistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and the natural sciences, the book demonstrates that many accepted intuitions about evidence, probability, logic, and causality are incomplete or even misleading. Chang examines famous puzzles and controversies—including issues of statistical significance, multiple testing, decision theory, and scientific evidence—to reveal the strengths and limitations of traditional methods of inference. 

Rather than presenting paradoxes as curiosities, he uses them as powerful teaching tools that encourage readers to question assumptions, think more critically, and appreciate the complexity of scientific discovery. The book also connects these ideas to broader topics such as epistemology, formal reasoning, and AI, ultimately arguing that confronting paradoxes is essential for developing sound scientific judgment and a more sophisticated understanding of how knowledge is created and evaluated.

BOOK