Freedom, fiction and evidential decision theory

Abstract

This paper argues against evidential decision-theory, by showing that the newest responses to its biggest current problem - the medical Newcomb problems - don't work. The latest approach is described, and the arguments of two main proponents of it - Huw Price and CR Hitchcock - clearly distinguished and examined. It is argued that since neither new defence is successful, causation remains essential to understanding means-end agency. © Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. 2007.