Equivocation for the Objective Bayesian

Erkenntnis 80 (2):403-432 (2015)
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Abstract

According to Williamson , the difference between empirical subjective Bayesians and objective Bayesians is that, while both hold reasonable credence to be calibrated to evidence, the objectivist also takes such credence to be as equivocal as such calibration allows. However, Williamson’s prescription for equivocation generates constraints on reasonable credence that are objectionable. Herein Williamson’s calibration norm is explicated in a novel way that permits an alternative equivocation norm. On this alternative account, evidence calibrated probability functions are recognised as implications of evidence calibrated density functions defined over chance hypotheses. The objective Bayesian equivocates between these calibrated density functions rather than between the calibrated probability functions themselves. The result is an objective Bayesianism that avoids the main problem afflicting Williamson’s original proposal.

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References found in this work

Laws and Symmetry.Bas C. Van Fraassen - 1989 - Revue Philosophique de la France Et de l'Etranger 182 (3):327-329.
The theory of probability.Hans Reichenbach - 1949 - Berkeley,: University of California Press.
In Defence of Objective Bayesianism.Jon Williamson - 2010 - Oxford, GB: Oxford University Press.
Quantifying in.David Kaplan - 1968 - Synthese 19 (1-2):178-214.

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