A Dichotomic Analysis of the Surprise Examination Paradox

Franceschi, Paul (2002) A Dichotomic Analysis of the Surprise Examination Paradox.

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Abstract

This paper presents a dichotomic analysis of the surprise examination paradox. In section 1, I analyse the surprise notion in detail. I introduce then in section 2, the distinction between a monist and dichotomic analysis of the paradox. I also present there a dichotomy leading to distinguish two basically and structurally different versions of the paradox, respectively based on a conjoint and a disjoint definition of the surprise. In section 3, I describe the solution to SEP corresponding to the conjoint definition. Lastly, I expose in section 4, the solution to SEP based on the disjoint definition.

Keywords:surprise exam paradox, surprise examination paradox, backward induction
Subjects:General Issues: Confirmation/Induction
ID Code:621
Deposited By:Franceschi, Paul
Deposited On:20 April 2002

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