Institute of Criminology Public Seminars: 'Causes of Effects' - Professor Philip Dawid

Speaker: Philip Dawid, Emeritus Professor of Statistics, University of Cambridge.

While Science is largely concerned with understanding "effects of applied causes" (EoC) - which can usually be addressed using standard methods of statistical experimental design and analysis - Law is more concerned with understanding "causes of observed effects" (CoE): for example, was this child's nosebleed caused by physical abuse? But it is far from clear how to apply statistical or epidemiological evidence to address a CoE question. Professor Dawid will discuss how such a question might be formulated and approached, point out the strong assumptions that are required even to begin to make progress, and observe various weaknesses of the inferences that ensue.

Philip Dawid is Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge. He has been awarded the Royal Statistical Society's Guy Medal in Silver for his wide-ranging research, which includes a long-standing interest in the interpretation of evidence and, especially, causal reasoning. His recently edited volumes include ‘Simplicity, Complexity and Modelling’, ‘Evidence, Inference and Enquiry’, and ‘Causality: Statistical Perspectives and Applications’, as well as the book of the Darwin College Lecture Series on ‘Beauty’.

This seminar starts at 5.30pm,and will be held in Seminar Room B3, Institute of Criminology, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA. A drinks reception in the basement foyer will follow this seminar for attendees

The IoC Public Seminar Series is open to all interested in attending, with no ticket required. If you wish to be added to the seminar mailing list, please contact: Joanne Garner, on: jf225@cam.ac.uk