Whither Higher-Order Evidence?

Abstract

Abstract A widespread view is that higher-order evidence makes a difference to whether it is rational for a person to believe a proposition. This chapter considers in what way higher-order evidence might do this. More specifically, it considers whether and how higher-order evidence plays a role in determining what it is rational to believe distinct from that which first-order evidence plays. To do this, it turns to the theory of reasons, and tries to situate higher-order evidence within it. The only place for it there, distinct from that which first-order evidence already occupies, is as a practical reason, that is, as a reason for desire or action. One might take this to show either that the theory of reasons is inadequate as it stands or that higher-order evidence makes no distinctive difference to what it is rational to believe. The chapter tentatively endorses the second option.

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