Scientific reasoning and Probability: a Comparison between Bayesianism and Error Statistics

Vol 18, No 1 (2014) • Principia: an international journal of epistemology

Autor: Agnaldo Cuoco Portugal, Breno Hermann

Abstract:

The article presents two alternative proposals for the use of probability to analyze scientific reasoning: Bayesianism and error statistics. The debate between these two approaches is one of the most important issues in contemporary Philosophy of Science and is a continuation of the well-known debate between Popper and Kuhn. The article presents the explanations offered by Bayesianism for specific phenomena of scientific activity that other approaches have difficulty in explaining, like the ravens paradox. Despite its positive results as a research program, Bayesianism has been the target of strong criticism, for instance, because it allegedly does not offer an adequate solution to Duhemt’s problem. Error Statistics in particular proposes the application of statistical methods and probability calculus to explain scientific reasoning in a way radically different from Bayesianism. The debate started by Popper and Kuhn is continued in probabilistic terms and is far from ended.

 

ISSN: 1414-4217

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2014v18n1p115

Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/principia/article/view/1808-1711.2014v18n1p115/27782

Palavras-Chave: Deborah Mayo,Colin Howson,scientific reasonin

Principia: an international journal of epistemology

"PRINCIPIA
"Principia: an international journal of epistemology" was founded in 1997 and regularly publishes articles, discussions and review. The journal aims to publish original scholarly work especially in epistemology area , with an emphasis on material of general interest to academic philosophers. Originally published only in print version (ISSN: 1414-4247), in 2005 the journal began to be published also in online version (ISSN: 1808-1711). Since 1999 are published three issues per year: in April, August and December. Qualis CAPES: A2