Abstract
Kolmogorov's axiomatization of probability includes the familiar ratio formula for conditional probability: (RATIO) P(A | B) = P(A∩B)/P(B) (P(B) > 0). Call this the ratio analysis of conditional probability. It has become so entrenched that it is often referred to as the definition of conditional probability. I argue that it is not even an adequate analysis of that concept. I prove what I call the Four Horn theorem, concluding that every probability assignment has uncountably many 'trouble spots'. Trouble spots come in four varieties: assignments of zero to genuine possibilities; assignments of infinitesimals to such possibilities; vague assignments to such possibilities; and no assignment whatsoever to such possibilities. Each sort of trouble spot can create serious problems for the ratio analysis. I marshal many examples from scientific and philosophical practice against the ratio analysis. I conclude more positively: we should reverse the traditional direction of analysis. Conditional probability should be taken as the primitive notion, and unconditional probability should be analyzed in terms of it.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 273-323 |
Number of pages | 51 |
Journal | Synthese |
Volume | 137 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |