Probability

In my role as Deputy Editor, the Editor recently assigned to me a book to review. It is a privilege to be asked, for this journal. But look what is in the book (above). It is about probability, basically. However, this is quite interesting. As soon as one is dealing with probability rather than (on the face of it) certainty, this means that there are factors in one’s equations which are beyond one’s perfect knowledge or control, or simply too vast or complex to get a grip on. In general, writes the author, we are far too rushed when we contemplate such factors: “I am calling for a dramatic slow-down in research.” OBSERVATION: Consider recent US election polls which, even with our advanced state of knowledge, were mostly wrong.