Fundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology 1: Introducing Credences

The book Fundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology discusses the use of Bayesian probability mathematics to represent degrees of belief and provides an accessible introduction to the key concepts and principles of the Bayesian formalism. It motivates the use of degrees of belief in epistemology, introduces and applies the five core Bayesian normative rules, and discusses further normative rules that have been proposed. Volume 2 gives arguments for the core rules and considers challenges to Bayesian epistemology, including successful applications to confirmation and decision theory, representation theorems, Dutch Books, and accuracy measures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Bayesian ideas have recently found widespread application across a diverse range of fields, including philosophy, statistics, economics, psychology, artificial intelligence, and legal theory. Fundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology delves into the use of Bayesian probability mathematics by epistemologists to represent degrees of belief. In this comprehensive volume, Michael G. Titelbaum offers an accessible introduction to the key concepts and principles of the Bayesian formalism, enabling readers to engage with epistemological debates and grasp its broader implications.

Volume 1 begins by motivating the use of degrees of belief in epistemology. It then introduces, explains, and applies the five core Bayesian normative rules: Kolmogorov's three probability axioms, the Ratio Formula for conditional degrees of belief, and Conditionalization for updating attitudes over time. Finally, it discusses further normative rules (such as the Principal Principle, or indifference principles) that have been proposed to supplement or replace the core five.

Volume 2 delves into arguments for the five core rules introduced in Volume 1. It then considers challenges to Bayesian epistemology. The book begins by detailing Bayesianism's successful applications to confirmation and decision theory. It then explores three types of arguments for Bayesian rules, based on representation theorems, Dutch Books, and accuracy measures. Finally, it addresses objections to the Bayesian approach and alternative formalisms, including the statistical approaches of frequentism and likelihoodism.

By exploring these fundamental principles and their applications, Fundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to Bayesian probability mathematics and its role in epistemology. Whether you are a student, researcher, or practitioner in these fields, this book will deepen your understanding of belief representation, normative rules, and the challenges and opportunities offered by Bayesian epistemology.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198707615