...updates can by miniscule … Updating on the evidence doesn’t need to move my credences by even a subjectively discernible amount. Nonetheless, I am obliged to acknowledge that the anecdote would move the credences of an ideal Bayesian agent by some nonzero amount.
So, let’s talk about measurement and detection.
Presumably you don’t calculate your believed probabilities to the n-th significant digit, so I don’t understand the idea of a “miniscule” update. If it has no discernible consequences then as far as I am concerned it did not happen.
Let’s take an example. I believe that my probability of being struck by lightning is very low to the extent that I don’t worry about it and don’t take any special precautions during thunderstorms. Here is an anecdote which relates how a guy was stuck by lightning while sitting in his office inside a building. You’re saying I should update my beliefs, but what does it mean?
I have no numeric estimate of P(me being struck by lightning) so there’s no number I can adjust by 0.0000001. I am not going to do anything differently. My estimate of my chances to be electrocuted by Zeus’ bolt is still “very very low”. So where is that “miniscule update” that you think I should make and how do I detect it?
P.S. If you want to update on each piece of evidence, surely by now you must fully believe that product X is certain to enlarge your penis?
So, let’s talk about measurement and detection.
Presumably you don’t calculate your believed probabilities to the n-th significant digit, so I don’t understand the idea of a “miniscule” update. If it has no discernible consequences then as far as I am concerned it did not happen.
Let’s take an example. I believe that my probability of being struck by lightning is very low to the extent that I don’t worry about it and don’t take any special precautions during thunderstorms. Here is an anecdote which relates how a guy was stuck by lightning while sitting in his office inside a building. You’re saying I should update my beliefs, but what does it mean?
I have no numeric estimate of P(me being struck by lightning) so there’s no number I can adjust by 0.0000001. I am not going to do anything differently. My estimate of my chances to be electrocuted by Zeus’ bolt is still “very very low”. So where is that “miniscule update” that you think I should make and how do I detect it?
P.S. If you want to update on each piece of evidence, surely by now you must fully believe that product X is certain to enlarge your penis?