A logic with higher order conditional probabilities

Abstract

We investigate probability logic with the conditional probability operators. This logic, denoted LCP, allows making statements such as: P<inf>≥s</inf>α, CP<inf>≥s</inf>,(α β), CP <inf>≤0</inf>(α β) with the intended meaning "the probability of α is at least s", "the conditional probability of α given β is at least s", "the conditional probability of α given β at most 0". A possible-world approach is proposed to give semantics to such formulas. Every world of a given set of worlds is equipped with a probability space and conditional probability is derived in the usual way: P(α β) = P(β)/P(αΛβ), P(β) > 0, by the (unconditional) probability measure that is defined on an algebra of subsets of possible worlds. Infinitary axiomatic system for our logic which is sound and complete with respect to the mentioned class of models is given. Decidability of the presented logic is proved.