UNCERTAINTY IN THE DEMPSTER-SHAFER THEORY: A CRITICAL RE-EXAMINATION |
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| Authors: | GEORGE J KLIR ARTHUR RAMER |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Systems Science , Thomas J. Watson School, State University of New York , Binghamton, New York, 13901, USA;2. School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Oklahoma , Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, USA |
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| Abstract: | Measures of two types of uncertainty that coexist in the Dempster-Shafer theory are overviewed. A measure of one type of uncertainty, which expresses nonspecificity of evidential claims, is well justified on both intuitive and mathematical grounds. Proposed measures of the other types of uncertainty, which atlempt to capture conflicts among evidential claims, are shown to have some deficiencies. To alleviate these deficiencies, a new measure is proposed. This measure, which is called a measure of discord, is not only satisfactory on intuitive grounds, but has also desirable mathematical properties. A measure of total uncertainty, which is defined as the sum of nonspecificity and discord, is also discussed. The paper focuses on conceptual issues. Mathematical properties of the measure of discord are only slated; their proofs are given in a companion paper.15 |
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| Keywords: | Dempster-Shafer theory uncertainty nonspecificity dissonance confusion discord conflict belief measure plausibility measure possibility theory |
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