Components of probabilistic support: The two-proposition case

Philosophy of Science 55 (3):402-414 (1988)
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Abstract

Support functions $s(h,e)=p(h\backslash e)-p(h)$ are widely used in discussion of explanation, causality and, recently, in connection with the possibility or otherwise of probabilistic induction. With this latter application in view, a rather complete analysis of the variety of support functions, their interrelationships and their "non-deductive" and "inductive" components is presented. With the restriction to two propositions, three variable probabilities are enough to discuss such problems. The analysis is illustrated by graphs, a Venn diagram and by using the Laplace Rule of Succession as an illustrative example. It is concluded that within this framework one cannot prove or disprove the possibility of probabilistic induction

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References found in this work

Conjectures and Refutations.K. Popper - 1962 - Les Etudes Philosophiques 21 (3):431-434.
Bayesianism and support by novel facts.Colin Howson - 1984 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 35 (3):245-251.
On the impossibility of inductive probability.Michael Redhead - 1985 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 36 (2):185-191.
Probabilistic causality and Simpson's paradox.Richard Otte - 1985 - Philosophy of Science 52 (1):110-125.

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