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On the proper formulation of conditionalization.

Authors :
Rescorla, Michael
Source :
Synthese; Mar2021, Vol. 198 Issue 3, p1935-1965, 31p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Conditionalization is a norm that governs the rational reallocation of credence. I distinguish between factive and non-factive formulations of Conditionalization. Factive formulations assume that the conditioning proposition is true. Non-factive formulations allow that the conditioning proposition may be false. I argue that non-factive formulations provide a better foundation for philosophical and scientific applications of Bayesian decision theory. I furthermore argue that previous formulations of Conditionalization, factive and non-factive alike, have almost universally ignored, downplayed, or mishandled a crucial causal aspect of Conditionalization. To formulate Conditionalization adequately, one must explicitly address the causal structure of the transition from old credences to new credences. I offer a formulation of Conditionalization that takes these considerations into account, and I compare my preferred formulation with some prominent formulations found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
DECISION theory
LITERATURE

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00397857
Volume :
198
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Synthese
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
149449429
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-019-02179-9