On the Relevance of Statistical Relevance Theory
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1982
Keywords
Social Science, Natural Science, Statistical Relevance, Early Approach, Statistical Account
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00133977
Abstract
In Salmon's discussion of his account of statistical relevance and statistical explanation there is a peculiarity in the selection of examples. Where he wishes to show that statistical accounts are reasonably treated as explanatory, he draws examples from the social sciences, such as juvenile delinquency. But when he explains the concept of ‘causal’ relevance, the examples are selected from the natural sciences. This conceals difficulties with Salmon's account of causality in the face of multiple causes such as are characteristic of the social sciences. Salmon's account is shown not to escape difficulties associated with Simon's earlier approach.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Theory and Decision, v. 14, issue 2, p. 195-205
Scholar Commons Citation
Turner, Stephen, "On the Relevance of Statistical Relevance Theory" (1982). Philosophy Faculty Publications. 220.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/phi_facpub/220
