I think I can give an example of something that has no reasonable (numerical) epistemic probability.
Consider Goedel’s Axiom of Constructibility. Goedel proved that if the Zermelo-Fraenkel (ZF) axioms are consistent, they are also consistent with Constructibility (C). We don’t have any strong arguments against C.
Now, either we have a reasonable epistemic probability for C or we don’t.
If we don’t, here is my example of something that has no reasonable epistemic probability: C.
If we do, then note that Goedel showed that ZF + C implies the Axiom of Choice, and hence implies the existence of non-measurable sets. Moreover, C implies that there is a well-ordering W on the universe of all sets that is explicitly definable in the language of set theory.
Now consider some physical quantity Q where we know that Q lies in some interval [x − δ, x + δ], but we have no more precise knowledge. If C is true, let U be the W-smallest non-measurable subset of [x − δ, x + δ].
Assuming that we do have a reasonable epistemic probability for C, here is my example of something that has no reasonable epistemic probability: C is false or Q is a member of U.
What follows from this? Why is it important?
ReplyDeleteIt imposes a limit on some probabilistic theories of epistemic rationality.
ReplyDelete