The algorithmization of counterfactuals |
| |
Authors: | Judea Pearl |
| |
Affiliation: | (1) Department of Philosophy (CH 365), St. Cloud State University, 720 4th Ave. South, St. Cloud, MN 56301, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Recent advances in causal reasoning have given rise to a computation model that emulates the process by which humans generate, evaluate and distinguish counterfactual sentences. Though compatible with the “possible worlds” account, this model enjoys the advantages of representational economy, algorithmic simplicity and conceptual clarity. Using this model, the paper demonstrates the processing of counterfactual sentences on a classical example due to Ernest Adam. It then gives a panoramic view of several applications where counterfactual reasoning has benefited problem areas in the empirical sciences. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|