In an earlier post, I proposed the following hypothesis concerning the probabilities of conditionals: (RH) (a) If p entails q then P(If p then q)=1. (b) If p entails ~q, then P(If p then q)=0. (c) If p entails neither q nor ~q, then P(If p then q) = P(X), where X is whatever information… Read More: Further Thoughts on the Probabilities of Conditionals »
I’ve decided to make my dissertation available for download. Entitled “The Problem of Induction: An Epistemological and Methodological Response”, I examine and reject most of the extant proposals for “solving” the problem and develop a novel approach to the issue that, I think, works, at least in broad outline. If I were to rewrite it… Read More: My Dissertation »
A conditional probability is represented P(A | B), read “the probability of A given B”, and is (by definition) equivalent to P(A & B) / P(B). To see how this works, consider a simple example. Let’s take a fair die and roll it. What is the probability that we will role and even number? Clearly,… Read More: Conditional Probabilities and the Probabilities of Conditionals »
One of my long-term goals is to explore the consequences for divine providence on the assumption that open theism (OT) is correct. As I shall understand it here, OT is defined by the following commitments: Monotheism: There exists one and only one God who is personal; necessarily existent; and essentially omnipotent, omniscient, and morally perfect.… Read More: Toward a Probabilistic Model of Divine Providence »
In a comment on an earlier thread, C Grace posed me the question: Do you think QI [quantum indeterminacy] is needed for God to manipulate the material universe without breaking His natural laws? It seems to me that without QI, God’s freedom to affect the physical universe would be limited to what he could do… Read More: Quantum Indeterminacy and Miracles »
Here’s a link to a transcript of a recent debate between William Lane Craig and Bart Ehrman entitled “Is There Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus?”
Here’s a recorded interview with the Intelligent Designer. I like his shades.
OK, I’m back from vacation and well-rested. Writing-wise, I’m currently finishing an epistemology paper on inferential justification and skepticism. Reading-wise, I’m wrapping up Trenton Merricks’ interesting book Objects and Persons, in which he defends the interesting thesis that conscious organisms are the only macrophysical objects there are. On his view, things like chairs, statues, brains,… Read More: Is Quantum Indeterminacy Necessary for Free Will? »
This is funny. (HT: Victor Reppert)
In comments on an earlier thread, both Ocham and Brandon express perplexity over my defense of the impossibility of traversing an actually infinite past. Before responding, I must first elaborate a bit on the potential / actual infinite distinction. The distinction goes back to Aristotle and is pivotal in his response to Zeno’s paradoxes. Basically,… Read More: On Traversing an Actually Infinite Past »