[OPE-L:4202] Re: Bayesian confirmationism

From: Andrew_Kliman (Andrew_Kliman@email.msn.com)
Date: Sat Oct 21 2000 - 14:19:00 EDT


In reply to Julian's 4201.

I had written,

: > P.S.  I agree with you on the need for theories and interpretations
to be
: > susceptible of empirical disconfirmation (though I also think
confirming
: > evidence can sometimes be meaningful; it is a matter of
probabilities).
: >


Julian asks:

: Is this an endorsement of Bayesianism?

I think so, but I don't know enough theory to be sure.

Julian:  "But why only "sometimes" meaningful? (Presumably if evidence is
indeed confirmatory it must raise
one's degree of belief)."

Yes, but it might be a negligible rise, and thus perhaps not meaningful,
like the sighting of a black raven as confirmation of "all ravens are
black."

Andrew Kliman



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