These and other public policy issues will loom large in the next talk in the Scientia series.
Philosophy considers fundamental questions of the nature and meaning of chance.
But it falls upon statistical science to collect and analyze data to estimate risk, influence policy and make decisions. This talk will examine the notion of a fair game and consider its application in areas including decision making, social security, medical insurance and exit polling. A deeper understanding of statistical modeling and evaluation would illuminate subsidies implicit in public policy and would sharpen political debate. A panel including Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology, Randi Martin, the Elma Schneider Professor of Psychology, and Joan Strassmann, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will respond to the speaker's remarks. Scott holds a bachelor's degree from Rice in electrical engineering and mathematics and master's and doctorate degrees in mathematical sciences from Rice.