Wizards of Odds: The Power of Probability

Probability is the backbone of science, but how well do you understand it? Odds are, not as well as you think; it is a surprisingly subtle concept that is often misunderstood, sometimes even by professionals who use it to guide crucial and far-reaching decisions. In this program, experts from technology, physics, medicine, and programming explore the slippery side of probability and the powerful role it plays in modern life.

This program is part of the Big Ideas Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

Original Program Date: May 30, 2015
Host: John Hockenberry
Participants: Robert Green, Leonard Mlodinow, Masoud Mohseni, Alan Peters

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Thomas Bayes and the history of A.I. 00:05

John Hockenberry's Introduction 5:48

Participant Introductions 8:51

What is the quantum notion of probability? 10:42

Googles dilation refrigerator 18:41

The Monty Hall problem 22:55

The Girl Named Florida problem 31:33

How does probability influence the medical field 40:45

How can people empower themselves with probability 54:08

How machines calculate probability 1:02:16

What is the Robo-naut? 1:12:50

Are humans relying on probability to determine lifestyle? 1:17:40