Title of article
Arguments for–or against–Probabilism?
Author/Authors
Alan H´ajek، نويسنده ,
Issue Information
روزنامه با شماره پیاپی سال 2008
Pages
27
From page
793
To page
819
Abstract
Four important arguments for probabilism—the Dutch Book, representation theorem,
calibration, and gradational accuracy arguments—have a strikingly similar structure.
Each begins with a mathematical theorem, a conditional with an existentially quantified
consequent, of the general form:
if your credences are not probabilities, then there is a way in which your
rationality is impugned.
Each argument concludes that rationality requires your credences to be probabilities.
I contend that each argument is invalid as formulated. In each case there is a mirror-image
theorem and a corresponding argument of exactly equal strength that concludes that
rationality requires your credences not to be probabilities. Some further consideration
is needed to break this symmetry in favour of probabilism. I discuss the extent to which
the original arguments can be buttressed.
Journal title
The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Serial Year
2008
Journal title
The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Record number
708494
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