Hope obeys Aristotle's doctrine of the mean: one should neither hope too much, nor little. But what determines constitutes much and little for a particular person at time? The sceptic presents an argument to effect that it is never rational hope. An attempt answer leads us in different directions. Decision-theoretic preference-theoretic arguments support instrumental value investigation into nature permits assess intrinsic However, must be granted there tension between epistemic rationality....

The coherentist theory of justification provides a response to the sceptical challenge: even though independent processes by which we gather information about world may be dubious quality, internal coherence for our empirical beliefs. This central canon is tested within framework Bayesian networks, probabilistic reasoning in artificial intelligence. We interpret independence gathering (IGPs) terms conditional independences, construct minimal sufficient condition ranking sets and assess...

We develop a utilitarian framework to assess different decision rules for the European Council of Ministers. The proposals be decided on are conceptualized as utility vectors and probability distribution is assumed over utilities. first show what yield highest expected utilities means distribution. For with high mean utility, simple benchmark (such majority voting proportional weights) tend outperform that have been proposed in political arena. low it other way round. then compare smaller...

Journal Article Solving the Riddle of Coherence Get access Luc Bovens, Bovens Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Stephan Hartmann Mind, Volume 112, Issue 448, October 2003, Pages 601–633, https://doi.org/10.1093/mind/112.448.601 Published: 01 2003

We appeal to the theory of Bayesian Networks model different strategies for obtaining confirmation a hypothesis from experimental test results provided by less than fully reliable instruments. In particular, we consider (i) repeated measurements single consequence hypothesis, (ii) multiple consequences (iii) theoretical support reliability instrument, and (iv) calibration procedures. evaluate these on their relative merits under idealized conditions show some surprising repercussions...

The Volkswagen Scandal: Reactions VW marketed supposedly "clean" TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) Diesel-models of the Jetta in 2009 and Golf 2010 US market.This was response to EPA Tier 2 emission standards.What challenging for Diesel engines passenger cars were very strict new standards on NOx, that is NO (Nitrogen Oxide) Dioxide).NOx contributes smog.VW's models did not need SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology-requiring a urea or AdBlue tank-to cut down NOx emissions, but...

In ‘Corroborating Testimony, Probability and Surprise’, Erik J. Olsson ascribes to L. Jonathan Cohen the claims that if two witnesses provide us with same information, then less probable information is, more confident we may be is true (C), stronger corroborated (C*). We question whether intends anything like (C) Furthermore, he discusses concurrence of witness reports within a context independent witnesses, whereas in Olsson's model are not standard sense. argue there much than, words, ‘a...

There is a cognitive, an affective, conative, and attitudinal component to genuine apology. In discussing these components, I address the following questions. Might apologies be due for non-culpable actions? choices in moral dilemmas? What link between sympathy, remorse making amends? Is it meaningful resilient akratics apologize? How much renewal required when one apologizes? Why should offered humble manner? And there some truth P. G. Wodehouse's dictum that 'the right sort of people do...

Journal Article Must I be forgiven? Get access Luc Bovens London School of Economics and Political ScienceLondon, WC2A2AE, UK Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Analysis, Volume 69, Issue 2, April 2009, Pages 227–233, https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/anp006 Published: 08 2009

Journal Article Monty Hall drives a wedge between Judy Benjamin and the Sleeping Beauty: reply to Bovens Get access Luc Bovens, Department of Philosophy, Logic Scientific Method London School Economics Political Science London, WC2A2AE UK L.Bovens@LSE.ac.uk Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar José Luis Ferreira Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Madrid, 126, 28903 Getafe Spain jlferr@eco.uc3m.es Analysis, Volume 70, Issue 3, July 2010, Pages 473–481,...

We construct novel measures to assess (i) the extent which European Union member states are using common standards in recognizing asylum seekers and (ii) responsibilities for applications, acceptances refugee populations equally shared among states, taking into account population size, gross domestic product (GDP) GDP expressed purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP). track progression of these since implementation Treaty Amsterdam (1999). These display divergent trends we try provide an...

We consider a special set of risky prospects in which the outcomes are either life or death (or, more generally, binary utilities). There various alternatives to utilitarian objective minimizing expected loss lives such prospects. start off with two-person case independent risks and construct taxonomies ex ante post evaluations for examine relationship between this restrictive framework: possibilities respect objectives simultaneously than general framework, i.e. without restriction...

Abstract: The Distribution View provides a model that integrates four distributional concerns in the evaluation of risky prospects. Starting from these concerns, we can generate an ordering over set prospects, or, starting ordering, extract characterization underlying concerns. Separability States and/or Persons for multiple-person single-person prospects and certain are discussed within model. sheds light on public health policies framework discussion Parfit's Priority