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Generalized Probabilism: Dutch Books and Accuracy Domination

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Abstract

This paper explores De Finetti’s generalized versions of Dutch Book and Accuracy Domination theorems. Following proposals due to Jeff Paris, we construe these as underpinning a generalized probabilism appropriate to belief states against either a classical or a non-classical background. Both results are straightforward corollaries of the separating hyperplane theorem; their geometrical relationship is examined. It is shown that each point of Accuracy Domination for b induces a Dutch Book on b; but Dutch Books may need to be ‘scaled’ in order to find a point of Accuracy-Domination. Finally, diachronic Dutch Book defences of conditionalization are examined in the general setting. The formulation and limitations of the generalized conditionalization this delivers are examined.

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Correspondence to J. Robert G. Williams.

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Williams, J.R.G. Generalized Probabilism: Dutch Books and Accuracy Domination. J Philos Logic 41, 811–840 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10992-011-9192-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10992-011-9192-4

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