How to solve probability teasers-discussion

Philosophy of Science 56 (2):348-358 (1989)
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Abstract

Recently, Nathan criticized Bar-Hillel and Falk's analysis of some classical probability puzzles on the grounds that they wrongheadedly applied mathematics to the solving of problems suffering from “ambiguous informalities”. Nathan's prescription for solving such problems boils down to assuring in advance that they are uniquely and formally soluble—though he says little about how this is to be done. Unfortunately, in real life problems seldom show concern as to whether their naturally occurring formulation is or is not ambiguous, does or does not allow for unique formalization, etc. One step towards dealing with such problems intelligently is to recognize certain common cognitive pitfalls to which solvers seem vulnerable. This is discussed in the context of some examples, along with some empirical results.

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References found in this work

Introduction to Finite Mathematics.John G. Kemeny, J. Laurie Snell & Gerald L. Thompson - 1958 - Journal of Symbolic Logic 23 (4):439-439.
How not to solve it.Amos Nathan - 1986 - Philosophy of Science 53 (1):114-119.

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