Myrvold, Wayne (2010) Epistemic Values and the Value of Learning. [Preprint]
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Abstract
In addition to purely practical values, there are cognitive values which figure in scientific deliberations. One way of introducing cognitive values is to consider the cognitive value that accrues to the act of accepting a hypothesis. Although such values may have a role to play in the matter of theory acceptance, this does not exhaust their significance in scientific decision-making. This paper makes a plea for the consideration of epistemic value--- cognitive value that attaches to a state of belief. I defend the notion of cognitive epistemic value against criticisms that have been raised against it. A stability requirement for epistemic value-functions is argued for on the basis of considerations of diachronic coherence. This requirement is sufficient for proving the Value of Learning
Theorem, which says that the expected utility of cost-free learning cannot be negative. Under the assumption of stability, the expected cognitive epistemic value of undergoing a learning experience must also be non-negative.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | Forthcoming in Synthese. | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Confirmation/Induction General Issues > Decision Theory General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Depositing User: | Wayne Myrvold | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 07 Dec 2010 13:43 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 07 Dec 2010 13:43 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 8415 | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Confirmation/Induction General Issues > Decision Theory General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Date: | November 2010 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8415 |
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Epistemic Values and the Value of Learning. (deposited 01 Sep 2009)
- Epistemic Values and the Value of Learning. (deposited 07 Dec 2010 13:43) [Currently Displayed]
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