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iarwain1 comments on Open thread, Oct. 12 - Oct. 18, 2015 - Less Wrong Discussion

5 Post author: MrMind 12 October 2015 06:57AM

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Comment author: iarwain1 14 October 2015 07:50:42PM *  0 points [-]

What areas of mathematics do I need to learn if I want to specialize in formal epistemology?

Comment author: IlyaShpitser 14 October 2015 09:31:26PM *  6 points [-]

Linear algebra, function optimization, probability theory.

:)

Comment author: iarwain1 14 October 2015 10:38:38PM 0 points [-]

That's it?

Comment author: IlyaShpitser 14 October 2015 11:05:12PM 2 points [-]

I suppose modal logics of belief.

Comment author: iarwain1 14 October 2015 11:31:15PM *  0 points [-]

Thanks! Ok, so now a more detailed question:

As I said, I'd like to do formal epistemology. I'm an undergrad right now, and I need to decide on my major. If that's about all the formal stuff I'll need then there are a bunch of different majors that include that, and the question becomes which additional courses could help with formal epistemology or related disciplines.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

  • Choice 1: Applied Statistics. This allows several electives in other subjects, so I could do e.g. a minor in CS with only one or two extra course requirements.
  • Choice 2: Mathematical Statistics. Less electives in other subjects, more electives in math/stats. I could still probably do a CS minor along with it if I wanted.
  • Choice 3: Math degree, possibly with a stats focus.
  • Choice 4: Some other degree (e.g., CS, economics) and just make sure to get the probability theory in at some point.

I'm anyway doing a minor in philosophy, which includes at least some logic.

Comment author: IlyaShpitser 15 October 2015 10:09:10PM *  1 point [-]

"Math sophistication" is good, as is familiarity with basic stats and ML. In computer science depts., ML is often taught at the grad level, though. Specific major not so important.

I found reading and doing proofs paid a lot of dividends.

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