Date of Birth: February 18, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Ian Hacking, born Ian MacDougall Hacking, is a renowned Canadian philosopher, known for his contributions to the philosophy of science, particularly in the areas of probability and statistics. His work extends to the philosophy of language, the philosophy of mind, and the history of philosophy. Hacking was born on February 18, 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of renowned philosopher Casimir Lewy. Hacking has held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of British Columbia, Stanford University, and the University of Toronto. He is also a fellow of the British Academy and the Royal Society of Canada. In 2009, Hacking was awarded the prestigious Holberg International Memorial Prize for his influential and interdisciplinary work in the humanities and social sciences. Throughout his career, Hacking has written numerous influential books and articles. Some of his most notable works include “The Emergence of Probability,” “The Taming of Chance,” and “The Social Construction of What?” His work often explores the ways in which scientific concepts and practices are shaped by social and historical contexts.
5 Interesting Facts about Ian Hacking
1. Ian Hacking was awarded the Holberg International Memorial Prize in 2009 for his significant contributions to the humanities and social sciences.
2. He has written extensively on topics such as statistical thinking, the philosophy of language, and the philosophy of psychology.
3. Hacking’s book “The Taming of Chance” is considered a seminal work in the history and philosophy of probability.
4. He is known for his concept of “historical ontology,” which examines how categories of knowledge and existence are historically contingent.
5. Hacking has been influential in the field of “philosophical naturalism,” which seeks to bridge the gap between philosophy and empirical science.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ian Hacking
1. “The past cannot be erased, it can only be reinterpreted.”
2. “We are, almost of necessity, social beings.”
3. “Philosophy is not a theory but an activity.”
4. “The human mind is capable of infinite creativity, but it is also capable of infinite self-deception.”
5. “Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped off.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Ian Hacking’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but as an esteemed academic and author, he is highly respected in his field.
Children
Information about Ian Hacking’s children is not publicly available.
Relevant Links
1. [Holberg Prize Biography](https://holbergprize.org/en/ian-hacking
2. [Wikipedia Entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Hacking
3. [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hacking/
4. [The Taming of Chance – Book Review](https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/the-taming-of-chance/
5. [Interview with Ian Hacking](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6U9AZxXc4c
