The logic of partial supposition. (16th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eva, Benjamin; Hartmann, Stephan
• Is Part Of: Analysis. Volume 81:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2021-01-16
• Subjects: epistemology -- supposition -- Bayesian epistemology -- decision theory -- causation; Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1093/analys/anaa060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2638

Abstract

Abstract: According to orthodoxy, there are two basic moods of supposition: indicative and subjunctive. The most popular formalizations of the corresponding norms of suppositional judgement are given by Bayesian conditionalization and Lewisian imaging, respectively. It is well known that Bayesian conditionalization can be generalized (via Jeffrey conditionalization) to provide a model for the norms of partial indicative supposition. This raises the question of whether imaging can likewise be generalized to model the norms of 'partial subjunctive supposition'. The present article casts doubt on whether the most natural generalizations of imaging are able to provide a plausible account of the norms of partial subjunctive supposition .