Reasoning about luck

the long version

This book introduces the reader to statistical reasoning and its use in physics. It is based on a course developed for non-science majors at Cornell University, and differs from other treatments by its wide-ranging use of quantitative methods, which are built up in a constructive way and assume only that the reader can add, subtract, multiply, and divide with confidence. The main application for this volume will be as a text for non-science students. However, the originality of the ideas and approach will also make this a valuable book for a public ranging from physics undergraduates to general readers.