Is There A Place In Bayesian Epistemology For The Principle Of Indifference?

Abstract

Within the field of epistemology there exists a movement to formalize philosophical inquiry by appealing to probability calculus as a requirement for rationality concerning credences. Among a subset of formal epistemologists, the question of how to assign probability to propositions for which we have little evidence is of importance. In this paper I examine one of the principles that some philosophers claim bears on this issue, the principle of indifference, and issues surrounding its justification. I seek to evaluate the current literature and set forth a framework for future inquiry concerning the principle.