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Confirmation and reduction

a bayesian account

F. Dizadji-BahmaniRoman FriggStephan Hartmann

pp. 321-338

Abstract

Various scientific theories stand in a reductive relation to each other. In a recent article, we have argued that a generalized version of the Nagel-Schaffner model (GNS) is the right account of this relation. In this article, we present a Bayesian analysis of how GNS impacts on confirmation. We formalize the relation between the reducing and the reduced theory before and after the reduction using Bayesian networks, and thereby show that, post-reduction, the two theories are confirmatory of each other. We then ask when a purported reduction should be accepted on epistemic grounds. To do so, we compare the prior and posterior probabilities of the conjunction of both theories before and after the reduction and ask how well each is confirmed by the available evidence.

Publication details

Published in:

van Benthem Johan, Kuipers Theo A., Visser Henk (2011) Logic and philosophy of science in the footsteps of E. W. Beth. Synthese 179 (2).

Pages: 321-338

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-010-9775-6

Full citation:

Dizadji-Bahmani F., Frigg Roman, Hartmann Stephan (2011) „Confirmation and reduction: a bayesian account“. Synthese 179 (2), 321–338.