This is a non-ticketed event with a £5 fee on the door. Doors Open: 7pm, Start Time: 7:30pm
Many argue that Bayes' theorem is not just a useful tool, but a description of almost everything - that it is the underlying architecture of rationality, and of the human brain.
Thomas Bayes was an eighteenth-century Presbyterian minister and amateur mathematician whose obscure life belied the profound impact of his work. Like most research into probability at the time, his theorem was mainly seen as relevant to games of chance, like dice and cards. But its implications soon became clear.
Bayes' theorem helps explain why highly accurate screening tests can lead to false positives, causing unnecessary anxiety for patients. A failure to account for it in court has put innocent people in jail. But its influence goes far beyond practical applications.
A cornerstone of rational thought, Bayesian principles are used in modelling and forecasting. 'Superforecasters', a group of expert predictors who outperform CIA analysts, use a Bayesian approach.
And many argue that Bayes' theorem is not just a useful tool, but a description of almost everything - that it is the underlying architecture of rationality, and of the human brain.
From medical testing to artificial intelligence, join Tom Chivers as he shows how a single compelling idea can have far-reaching consequences and its impact on modern life.
TOM CHIVERS
Tom is a science writer, having written for the i newspaper, UnHerd, BuzzFeed UK, New Scientist, the Guardian and the Telegraph.
He has won several awards, including the Royal Statistical Society’s award for statistical excellence in journalism (twice, in 2018 and 2020) and the Association of British Science Writers’ science journalist of the year (in 2021).
He is co-host of the popular podcast 'The Studies Show' and has published several books including 'The Rationalists Guide to the Galaxy', a Times’s science book of the year, and 'How To Read Numbers'.
Tom will also be signing copies of his latest book 'Everything is Predictable', which will be available to purchase on the night.
DOORS OPEN: 7:00pm (£5 on the door)
TALK STARTS: 7:30pm
AUDIENCE Q&A: 8:30pm
BOOK SIGNING: 9pm
Brighthink is a non-profit organisation, non of our invited speakers charge for their time, and proceeds from ticket sales go towards the running costs that allow us to put on these events for the public.