Dissertation > Excellent graduate degree dissertation topics show

Studies in Bayesian Confirmation Theory

Author: HePeng
Tutor: DunXinGuo
School: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Course: Philosophy of Science and Technology
Keywords: Bayesian confirmation Duhem-Quine problem the Paradox of Raven Old Evidence Measure Sensitivity
CLC: N02
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2010
Downloads: 30
Quote: 0
Read: Download Dissertation

Abstract


The major research object of this thesis is the (subjective) Bayesian approach to induction and confirmation, involving (1) some of its theoretic backgrounds, (2) some of its advantages and (3) some challenges to it. There are five chapters in the thesis. I shall first introduce the central Bayesian ideas and some of its theoretic and historical backgrounds.Then in Chapter 2, I present one of the successful stories of Bayesian confirmation theory: This theory resolved the Duhem-Quine problem, because it successfully depicted the subjective judgments of scientists.In Chapter 3, I present successful story II of this theory: Bayesian confirmation theory resolved the Paradox of the Raven. There is a standard resolution of the Paradox of the Raven within a Bayesian framework, and a newly improved Bayesian resolution that Fitelson proposed.In Chapter 4, I discuss the Old Evidence Problem. Subjective Bayesian has such a criterion: e confirms h if and only if P(h/e) > P(h). However, we have some evidence e that is already known when the question of confirmation is raised, i.e., P(e) = 1. In this case, it can be proved that no matter what h is, P(h/e) = P(h). It follows from the criterion that e cannot confirm h at that time. But this contradicts our intuitive belief that E can provide confirmation for h.Finally, in Chapter 5 I discuss the problem of Measure Sensitivity. The validity of Bayesian confirmation theory depends on choice of measure, that is, on which of measure functions is taken to be measure confirmation, and different measure function will produce different and even conflicting results.

Related Dissertations

  1. A Study on the Cultural Turn of Philosophy of Technology,N02
  2. The Research of Ian Hacking’s Thoughts on the New Experimentalism,N02
  3. Metaphor in Marry Hesse’s Network Model Theory of Scientific Explanation,N02
  4. On the Studies of Local Knowledge,N02
  5. Scientific Contextualism of Analysis,N02
  6. The Cultural Consideration of the Contemporary "Technology and Society" Issues,N02
  7. The Contextualism Interpretation of Vagueness,N02
  8. The Reflection of Human’s Subjectivity in IM Era,N02
  9. Philosophical analysis of the hardware description language,N02
  10. Preliminary epistemological context,N02
  11. Preliminary Study Context worldview,N02
  12. Contextual inquiry of Truth,N02
  13. On the Thought of Thomas Kuhn 's reasonable,N02
  14. Latour 's actor-network theory,N02
  15. Autonomy of Technology to technological determinism,N02
  16. Quantitative Study on Science Collaboration in China’s Gene Domain,N02
  17. The Philosophic Investigation on Information Understanding Activity of Logic and Value of Information,N02
  18. Evolution of the Western Scientific View of History,N02
  19. Evolution of the Western Scientific View of History,N02
  20. Study on the Democratic Mechanism of Engineering Decision,N02
  21. Justification of Scientific Realism by Inference to the Best Explanation,N02
  22. Philosophical Research on the Intelligence Space in the Pervasive Computing Environment,N02

CLC: > SCIENCE AND > Natural scientific theory and methodology > Philosophy of science principle
© 2012 www.DissertationTopic.Net  Mobile