Presentation: Bayesian Reasoning and Evolutionary Biology

Bayesian Reasoning and Evolutionary Biology

A talk by Dr. Ivan Phillips

After reading and learning about the theory of evolution, many of us (and almost all biologists) find the theory to be quite compelling. The theory makes sense to us. It just seems ‘right’. However, as people who aspire to be rational, we don’t want to accept theories merely on the basis that they 'seem right' or that they are persuasive in some vague manner. We prefer to accept theories after they have been formally justified.

Bayesian reasoning is a formal way to update one’s beliefs in the face of new evidence. In this presentation, I’ll explain the basic principles of Bayesian reasoning, and show how they apply to the evidence for evolutionary biology.

NOTE: Due to the number of attendees, we've had to move the location a second time, now to Sofra Turkish Kitchen. They have food and drink and plenty of space. Please order food and drink. Thank you, and sorry for the confusion!