Single Idea 22178

[catalogued under 14. Science / C. Induction / 6. Bayes's Theorem]

Full Idea

If the only objective constraints concern how we should change our credences, but what our initial credences should be is entirely subjective, then individuals with very bizarre opinions about the world will count as perfectly rational.

Gist of Idea

If the rules only concern changes of belief, and not the starting point, absurd views can look ratiional

Source

Samir Okasha (Philosophy of Science: Very Short Intro (2nd ed) [2016], 2)

Book Reference

Okasha,Samir: 'Philosophy of Science: very short intro (2nd ed)' [OUP 2016], p.35


A Reaction

The important rationality has to be the assessement of a diverse batch of evidence, for which there can never be any rules or mathematics.