Reliable Belief Research Articles

Roderick Chisholm on Reliabilism: Implications for Epistemic Indubitability

This paper aims at examining the pitfalls of Roderick Chisholm’s concept of reliabilism and its implications for epistemic indubility. Chisholm posits that justified belief depends on what is practically true and right for the knower to believe. He maintains that epistemic justification depends on evidence internally available to the knower and anchored his argument on the fact that we rarely have direct access to the truth of propositions, that is, to reality. Every conclusion about the epistemic status of a belief in this perspective involves a conclusion about the “legitimacy” of its source. Our paper argues that this premium Chisholm’s reliabilism places on the knowing subject’s ability to acquire knowledge through the right kind of source undermines our quest for epistemic indubitability hence, among the purposes of this study are: to examine how the reliability of a belief is dependent on the authenticity of its process of realization. It investigates what constitutes the criteria for a reliable belief and tries to resolve whether reliability is conferred on beliefs by our mere confessions. We find that a reliable belief may not after all be error free. Also that reliability invokes the skeptical question of the reliability of human knowledge. Our research which adopts the analytical method of enquiry concludes by underscoring the fact that Chisholm’s reliabilism turns the indubitable knowledge quest of philosophy into doubtful probabilities and further into full blown skepticism.

Evaluating Warfare Myths about Science and Christianity and How These Myths Promote Scientism

Many people assume that there has been ceaseless conflict between science and Christianity. I argue that the real conflict has been between scientism and religion. Scientism is the view that only the sciences generate knowledge or rational belief. Scientism, as typically articulated, entails the opinion that reliable belief about divinity (theological realism) is impossible. I debunk four historic science–Christianity conflict myths and show how they have promoted scientism. These four science–religion myths function as part of a larger warfare narrative about science and Christianity. This misleading warfare thesis often comes packaged with an alternative anti-theistic “myth” in the anthropological sense—in this case, a worldview-shaping narrative that awakens the imagination to interpret the world in scientistic and non-theistic ways. I call this the scientistic warfare myth and explore its major flaws.

Reliability Analysis of the Sum-Product Decoding Algorithm for the PSK Modulation Scheme

Iteratively decoding and reconstruction of encoded data has been considered in recent decades. Most of these iterative schemes are based on graphical codes. Messages are passed through space graphs to reach a reliable belief of the original data. This paper presents a performance analysis of the Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code design method which approach the capacity of the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) model for communication channels. We investigate the reliability of the system under Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulation. We study the effects and advantages of variation in the codeword length, the rate of parity-check matrix of the LDPC codes, and the number of iterations in the Sum-Product Algorithm (SPA). By employing an LDPC encoder prior to the PSK modulation block and the SPA in the decoding part, the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance of the PSK modulation system can improve significantly. The BER performance improvement of a point-to-point communication system is measured in different cases. Our analysis is capable for applying any other iterative message-passing algorithm. The code design process of the communication systems and parameter selection of the encoding and decoding algorithms are accomplished by considering hardware limitations in a communication system. Our results help to design and select paramours efficiently.

Logics of (In)sane and (Un)reliable Beliefs

Abstract Inspired by an interesting quotation from the literature, we propose four modalities, called ‘sane belief’, ‘insane belief’, ‘reliable belief’ and ‘unreliable belief’, and introduce logics with each operator as the modal primitive. We show that the four modalities constitute a square of opposition, which indicates some interesting relationships among them. We compare the relative expressivity of these logics and other related logics, including a logic of false beliefs from the literature. The four main logics are all less expressive than the standard modal logic over various model classes, and the logics of sane and insane beliefs are, respectively, equally expressive as the logics of unreliable and reliable beliefs on any class of models. The logics of reliable and unreliable beliefs are then combined into a bimodal logic, which turns out to be equally expressive as the standard modal logic. Despite this, we cannot obtain a complete axiomatization of the minimal bimodal logic, by simply translating the axioms and rules of the minimal modal logic $\textbf{K}$ into the bimodal language. We then introduce a schematic modality which unifies reliable and unreliable beliefs and axiomatize it over the class of all frames and also the class of serial frames. This line of research is finally extended to unify sane and insane beliefs and some axiomatizations are given.

What Is the Function of Confirmation Bias?

Confirmation bias is one of the most widely discussed epistemically problematic cognitions, challenging reliable belief formation and the correction of inaccurate views. Given its problematic nature, it remains unclear why the bias evolved and is still with us today. To offer an explanation, several philosophers and scientists have argued that the bias is in fact adaptive. I critically discuss three recent proposals of this kind before developing a novel alternative, what I call the ‘reality-matching account’. According to the account, confirmation bias evolved because it helps us influence people and social structures so that they come to match our beliefs about them. This can result in significant developmental and epistemic benefits for us and other people, ensuring that over time we don’t become epistemically disconnected from social reality but can navigate it more easily. While that might not be the only evolved function of confirmation bias, it is an important one that has so far been neglected in the theorizing on the bias.

Ideological diversity, hostility, and discrimination in philosophy

ABSTRACTMembers of the field of philosophy have, just as other people, political convictions or, as psychologists call them, ideologies. How are different ideologies distributed and perceived in the field? Using the familiar distinction between the political left and right, we surveyed an international sample of 794 subjects in philosophy. We found that survey participants clearly leaned left (75%), while right-leaning individuals (14%) and moderates (11%) were underrepresented. Moreover, and strikingly, across the political spectrum from very left-leaning individuals and moderates to very right-leaning individuals, participants reported experiencing ideological hostility in the field, occasionally even from those on their own side of the political spectrum. Finally, while about half of the subjects believed that discrimination against left- or right-leaning individuals in the field is not justified, a significant minority displayed an explicit willingness to discriminate against colleagues with the opposite ideology. Our findings are both surprising and important because a commitment to tolerance and equality is widespread in philosophy, and there is reason to think that ideological similarity, hostility, and discrimination undermine reliable belief formation in many areas of the discipline.

Development and Validation of the Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire on Student Paramedics’ Belief of Case-Based Learning

Background The use of case-based learning (CBL) in the paramedic curriculum has been reported to be a valuable learning tool. Despite this, the use of CBL in distance or online education is not well researched, in particular, identifying the motivation for students to use CBL using a theoretical approach to eliciting and reviewing student paramedics’ beliefs. Aims This study aimed to explore the wide range of students’ beliefs when it comes to CBL (elicitation of beliefs) and to develop a tool for assessing beliefs in the setting of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (development of an assessment instrument). Methods A sequential exploratory study design was used to explore the methodological challenges associated with eliciting beliefs and forming reliable belief scales. The standard components of developing a questionnaire in the context of the theory of planned behaviour were undertaken. Finally, a cross-sectional non-experimental survey design was used to determine the capability of the TPB to predict students’ perceptions to CBL in their third year of study. Results In order to learn about the factorial structure of the TPB questionnaire on CBL, a 40–50% response rate was required; this study had 12 of 25 students (48%) respond. Using CBL as a focus in paramedic education is subjectively comparable with previous studies in nursing, medicine and allied health professions. It was viewed positively as a linking exercise for consolidation of previously covered work in a paramedic bachelor degree but its true worth not only as a learning tool but for students studying via distance education requires further study and refinement as a model on its own. Conclusion This study was devoted to eliciting students’ beliefs about CBL in their education and developing an instrument to assess students’ beliefs in the context of the TPB. A pilot study utilising the constructs of the TPB is required to be undertaken in predicting students’ behaviour towards CBL within their degree.

Reliable group belief

Many now countenance the idea that certain groups can have beliefs, or at least belief-like states. If groups can have beliefs like these, the question of whether such beliefs are justified immediately arises. Recently, Goldman (in: Lackey (ed) Essays in collective epistemology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2014) has considered what a reliability-based account of justified group belief might look like. In this paper I consider his account and find it wanting, and so propose a modified reliability-based account of justified group belief. Lackey (Philos Rev 125(3):341–396, 2016) has also criticized Goldman’s proposal, but for very different reasons than I do. Some of her objections, however, can be lodged against the modified account that I propose here. I also respond to these objections. Finally, I note how some formal and experimental work is relevant to those who are attracted to the kind of reliability-based account of justified group belief I develop here.

Factor structure and internal reliability of cultural belief scales about colorectal cancer screening among Koreans in the Republic of Korea

BackgroundCulturally sensitive, reliable and valid cultural belief scales for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea are not available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate existing cultural belief scales for CRC screening in Koreans.MethodsIndividual interviews, expert reviews, and a pilot test were conducted for instrument adaptation, and a cross-sectional survey with 884 Koreans was conducted for instrument validation. Construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability of the Korean version of the instruments were examined.ResultsExploratory factor analysis using c four factors that accounted for 48.12% of the variance. The validity and reliability of the cultural belief scales were supported by confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha.ConclusionsThe results of the present study showed that the four-factor cultural belief scales were culturally sensitive, reliable and valid in Koreans. The final cultural belief scales could be used to identify cultural beliefs more accurately and specifically, as well as to develop effective interventions to increase CRC screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea.

“Seatbelts don’t save lives”: Discovering and targeting the attitudes and behaviors of young Arab male drivers

The paper presents a two-part study that discovered then targeted beliefs and attitudes towards seatbelt use in young Arab men. The purpose of part one was to discover their safe driving beliefs, attitudes and behaviors as well as their responses to safe driving campaigns to ascertain message elements that could incite reactance. Part two targeted selected beliefs and attitudes in a message that was designed based on the results from part one to both address relevant beliefs and attitudes as well as avoid reactance. One belief, that seatbelts are not necessary in the back seat, and two attitudes, avoidance of wearing the seatbelt to prevent clothing from being wrinkled and to avoid friends’ derision, were targeted.Because the participants reported reactance to common safe driving campaigns, the options for the message were quite limited. Using fear appeals, shocking content or depicting the consequences of accidents was deemed likely to be ineffective, rather a novel approach was called for. Utilizing the collectivist and masculine nature of the culture, the resulting message featured a group of young Arab men who are convinced by a personified Seatbelt to wear their seatbelts after an adventure. The message succeeded in eliciting statistically reliable belief and attitudinal change on all three dependent variables after one exposure, suggesting that tailored messages that avoid triggering reactance and are culturally contextualized while aimed at specific beliefs and attitudes can be persuasive. Although risk taking behavior can result from group pressure, our message used culturally specific group pressure but depicted it as being against the risky behavior and positively reinforced the less risky behavior, demonstrating that such approaches can be effective. The film was not a typical safe driving message, utilized social norms from the target audience and was carefully matched to their attitudes and beliefs while not being an overtly persuasive. We argue that message campaigners can utilize both the method and results for subsequent campaigns aimed at young Arab men.

Using the theory of planned behaviour to develop a questionnaire on teachers' beliefs about teaching cancer education

This study explored methodological challenges related to eliciting and assessing teachers’ beliefs about teaching cancer education. We aimed to develop reliable belief scales, a methodological innovation in the context of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), as single belief items are typically used as predictors for direct measures. The expectancy-value product proved useful for identifying categories of teachers’ beliefs about cancer education. Six reliable belief scales emerged, for example, control beliefs about external emotional and non-emotional inhibitors and internal facilitators. We also discuss methodological issues related to eliciting beliefs and forming reliable belief scales.

Generalized Approximate Message Passing Aided Frequency Domain Turbo Equalizer for Single-Carrier Spatial Modulation

In this paper, a pair of novel frequency domain equalizers for broadband single-carrier (SC) spatial modulation (SM) systems over dispersive channels are proposed by integrating with the concept of generalized approximate message passing (GAMP). Specifically, we first propose a GAMP-aided frequency domain turbo equalizer (FDTE-GAMP) operating on a vector-by-vector basis, which exploits the linear mixing channel structure composed of channel matrix and fast Fourier transforms. In the design of this novel detector, the non-Gaussian property of the transmitted SM symbol is fully investigated, in order to provide a more reliable belief of the channel symbols, leading to an accurate extrinsic information. For the sake of simplification, we propose a low-complexity version of FDTE-GAMP by forcing the variance components of transmitted symbols to be the same scalar, and thus avoiding the matrix inversion operation and maintaining a sequence of scalar operations. Simulation results show that the proposed equalizers are capable of providing a better tradeoff between the attainable bit error rate and the imposed computational complexity than the conventional FDTEs conceived for SC-SM systems.

The Service Conception: Just One Simple Question

It is crystal clear that the Service Conception includes at least three conditions, what I shall call: the ‘normal justification condition’, the ‘independence condition’ and the ‘dependence condition’. The overarching rationale of these conditions is that they ensure that authority is only justified when it provides the best means for the subject to conform to the reasons for action that she actually has. However, it is difficult to clarify whether Raz implicitly presupposes a fourth necessary condition. This condition might be called a ‘reliable belief condition’, that is, that the putative subject must reliably believe that the putative authority-agent satisfies the Service Conception (or more precisely, its other three conditions). In sum, the purpose of this paper is to pose Joseph Raz one simple question: is it a necessary condition of your Service Conception, that the subject believes that the authority-agent satisfies the Service Conception? As a matter of interpretation, different parts of Raz’s work appear to lead in entirely opposite directions: some parts clearly support the reliable belief condition, others do not. Regardless of Raz’s ultimate answer, however, the question reveals a broader inconsistency. Only if the Service Conception does include the belief condition will it support Raz’s claim that authority is consistent with one’s rational ‘self-reliance’, that is, acting upon one’s own judgement (including, as to who has authority). Only if the Service Conception does not include the belief condition will it support Raz’s perfectionist account of government. It seems Raz must choose between one or other.

Scepticism and Reliable Belief, written by José L. Zalabardo

Scepticism and Reliable Belief, written by José L. Zalabardo

Reflective Knowledge and the Nature of Truth

Abstract I consider the problem of reflective knowledge faced by views that treat sensitivity as a sufficient condition for knowledge, or as a major ingredient of the concept, as in the analysis I advance in Scepticism and Reliable Belief. I present the problem as concerning the correct analysis of SATs — beliefs to the effect that one of my current beliefs is true. I suggest that a plausible analysis of SATs should treat them as neither true nor false when they ascribe truth to a non-existent belief. I argue that the problem is inescapable if we construe SATs as ascribing the property of truth to a belief. Deflationism manages to avoid the problem of reflective knowledge, but it does so by violating alethic priority — the principle that our account of representation must be built on our account of truth. I argue that we can avoid the problem of reflective knowledge while preserving alethic priority with a pragmatist account of truth — according to which truth is explicated in terms of the rules that govern the practice of assessing judgments and related items as true or false.

Scepticism and Reliable Belief, by José L. Zalabardo.

<i>Scepticism and Reliable Belief</i>, by José L. Zalabardo.

Testimony and the epistemic uncertainty of interpretation

In the epistemology of testimony it is often assumed that audiences are able to reliably recover asserted contents. In the philosophy of language this claim is contentious. This paper outlines one problem concerning the recovery of asserted contents (the ‘recovery problem’), and argues that it prevents audiences from gaining testimonial knowledge in a range of cases (even when the speaker is both sincere and a reliable belief former). The recovery problem, in essence, is simply that due to the collective epistemic limitations of the speaker and audience speakers will, in certain cases, be insensitive to the ways in which they may be misinterpreted. As a result audiences’ beliefs will often fail the safety and sensitivity conditions on knowledge. Once the problem has been outlined and distinguished from several related problems in the philosophy of language and the epistemology of testimony, a series of responses are considered. The first response holds that audiences possess defeaters in recovery problem cases, and thus wouldn’t form beliefs. The second response holds that the beliefs audiences form are very coarse grained, meaning they are not very vulnerable to failures of safety and sensitivity. The final response holds that the objects of speaker meaning are not propositional. All three responses are found to be unsatisfactory.

Zalabardo. 2012. Scepticism and Reliable Belief.

Zalabardo. 2012. Scepticism and Reliable Belief.

Identification of uncertain nonlinear systems: Constructing belief rule-based models

The objective of this paper is to construct reliable belief rule-based (BRB) models for the identification of uncertain nonlinear systems. The BRB methodology is developed from the evidential reasoning (ER) approach and traditional IF–THEN rule based system. It can be used to model complicated nonlinear causal relationships between antecedent attributes and consequents under different types of uncertainty. In a BRB model, various types of information and knowledge with uncertainties can be represented using belief structures, and a belief rule is designed with belief degrees embedded in its possible consequents. In this paper, we first introduce the BRB methodology for modelling uncertain nonlinear systems. Then we present a comparative analysis of three BRB identification models through combining the BRB methodology with nonlinear optimisation techniques. The novel BRB identification models using l∞-norm and minimising mean uncertainties in belief rules (MUBR) show remarkable capabilities of capturing the lower and upper bounds of the interval outputs of uncertain nonlinear systems simultaneously. Trade-off analysis between identification accuracy and interval credibility are briefly discussed. Finally, a numerical study of a simplified car dynamics is conducted to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the BRB identification models for the modelling and identification of uncertain nonlinear systems.

A novel decoding algorithm based on the hierarchical reliable strategy for SCG-LDPC codes in optical communications

An effective hierarchical reliable belief propagation (HRBP) decoding algorithm is proposed according to the structural characteristics of systematically constructed Gallager low-density parity-check (SCG-LDPC) codes. The novel decoding algorithm combines the layered iteration with the reliability judgment, and can greatly reduce the number of the variable nodes involved in the subsequent iteration process and accelerate the convergence rate. The result of simulation for SCG-LDPC(3969,3720) code shows that the novel HRBP decoding algorithm can greatly reduce the computing amount at the condition of ensuring the performance compared with the traditional belief propagation (BP) algorithm. The bit error rate (BER) of the HRBP algorithm is considerable at the threshold value of 15, but in the subsequent iteration process, the number of the variable nodes for the HRBP algorithm can be reduced by about 70% at the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared with the BP algorithm. When the threshold value is further increased, the HRBP algorithm will gradually degenerate into the layered-BP algorithm, but at the BER of 10−7 and the maximal iteration number of 30, the net coding gain (NCG) of the HRBP algorithm is 0.2 dB more than that of the BP algorithm, and the average iteration times can be reduced by about 40% at the high SNR. Therefore, the novel HRBP decoding algorithm is more suitable for optical communication systems.