20,379 research outputs found
Accept & Reject Statement-Based Uncertainty Models
We develop a framework for modelling and reasoning with uncertainty based on
accept and reject statements about gambles. It generalises the frameworks found
in the literature based on statements of acceptability, desirability, or
favourability and clarifies their relative position. Next to the
statement-based formulation, we also provide a translation in terms of
preference relations, discuss---as a bridge to existing frameworks---a number
of simplified variants, and show the relationship with prevision-based
uncertainty models. We furthermore provide an application to modelling symmetry
judgements.Comment: 35 pages, 17 figure
Modelling default and likelihood reasoning as probabilistic
A probabilistic analysis of plausible reasoning about defaults and about likelihood is presented. 'Likely' and 'by default' are in fact treated as duals in the same sense as 'possibility' and 'necessity'. To model these four forms probabilistically, a logic QDP and its quantitative counterpart DP are derived that allow qualitative and corresponding quantitative reasoning. Consistency and consequence results for subsets of the logics are given that require at most a quadratic number of satisfiability tests in the underlying propositional logic. The quantitative logic shows how to track the propagation error inherent in these reasoning forms. The methodology and sound framework of the system highlights their approximate nature, the dualities, and the need for complementary reasoning about relevance
Inadequacy of Modal Logic in Quantum Settings
We test the principles of classical modal logic in fully quantum settings.
Modal logic models our reasoning in multi-agent problems, and allows us to
solve puzzles like the muddy children paradox. The Frauchiger-Renner thought
experiment highlighted fundamental problems in applying classical reasoning
when quantum agents are involved; we take it as a guiding example to test the
axioms of classical modal logic. In doing so, we find a problem in the original
formulation of the Frauchiger-Renner theorem: a missing assumption about
unitarity of evolution is necessary to derive a contradiction and prove the
theorem. Adding this assumption clarifies how different interpretations of
quantum theory fit in, i.e., which properties they violate. Finally, we show
how most of the axioms of classical modal logic break down in quantum settings,
and attempt to generalize them. Namely, we introduce constructions of trust and
context, which highlight the importance of an exact structure of trust
relations between agents. We propose a challenge to the community: to find
conditions for the validity of trust relations, strong enough to exorcise the
paradox and weak enough to still recover classical logic.Comment: In Proceedings QPL 2018, arXiv:1901.0947
Axiom System and Completeness Expression for Quantum Mechanics
The standard axiomatization of quantum mechanics (QM) is not fully explicit
about the role of the time-parameter. Especially, the time reference within the
probability algorithm (the Born Rule, BR) is unclear. Using a plausible
principle P1, about the role of probability in a physical theory, and a second
principle P2 affording a most natural way to make BR precise, a logical
conflict with the standard expression for the completeness of QM can be
derived. Rejecting P1 is implausible. Rejecting P2 leads to unphysical results
and to a conflict with a generalization of P2, a principle P3. It is thus made
plausible that the standard expression of QM completeness must be revised. An
absolutely explicit form of the axioms is provided, including a precise form of
the projection postulate. An appropriate expression for QM completeness,
reflecting the restrictions of the Gleason and Kochen-Specker theorems is
proposed.Comment: 20 pages, no figure
Clause-Type, Force, and Normative Judgment in the Semantics of Imperatives
I argue that imperatives express contents that are both cognitively and semantically related to, but nevertheless distinct from, modal propositions. Imperatives, on this analysis, semantically encode features of planning that are modally specified. Uttering an imperative amounts to tokening this feature in discourse, and thereby proffering it for adoption by the audience. This analysis deals smoothly with the problems afflicting Portner's Dynamic Pragmatic account and Kaufmann's Modal account. It also suggests an appealing reorientation of clause-type theorizing, in which the cognitive act of updating on a typed sentence plays a central role in theorizing about both its semantics and role in discourse
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