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Sleeping Beauty and the absent-minded driver

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Abstract

The Sleeping Beauty problem is presented in a formalized framework which summarizes the underlying probability structure. The two rival solutions proposed by Elga (Analysis 60:143–147, 2000) and Lewis (Analysis 61:171–176, 2001) differ by a single parameter concerning her prior probability. They can be supported by considering, respectively, that Sleeping Beauty is “fuzzy-minded” and “blank-minded”, the first interpretation being more natural than the second. The traditional absent-minded driver problem is reinterpreted in this framework and sustains Elga’s solution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paragraphe (CRAC), Institut Jean Nicod, Université Paris 8, 2, rue de la Liberté, 93526, Saint-Denis cedex, France

    Jean Baratgin

  2. Paris School of Economics, ENPC-EHESS, 48, Boulevard Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France

    Bernard Walliser

Authors
  1. Jean Baratgin
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  2. Bernard Walliser
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Correspondence to Jean Baratgin.

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Baratgin, J., Walliser, B. Sleeping Beauty and the absent-minded driver. Theory Decis 69, 489–496 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11238-010-9215-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11238-010-9215-6

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