Conjunction of Evidence and Fuzzy Logic

24 Pages Posted: 22 Jul 2012 Last revised: 21 Jun 2016

Date Written: July 22, 2012

Abstract

Classical logic and probability theory produce in law the troublesome conjunction paradox. The theories seem to tell us the conjoined likelihood of independent elements equals the product of each element’s likelihood. Meanwhile, the law requires each element of a cause of action to meet the standard of proof, but it does not apply the standard of proof to the conjunction. Hence, if the cause entails more than one element, no assurance exists that the product of likelihoods will meet the standard of proof.

Fuzzy logic, however, explodes the conjunction paradox. It does so by saying that the elements’ conjoined likelihood equals the least likely element’s likelihood. This is exactly equivalent to the law’s approach. That consistency constitutes a powerful piece of proof that the law employs fuzzy logic in preference to classical logic and probability theory.

Keywords: Procedure, Standards of Proof, Logic, Probability

Suggested Citation

Clermont, Kevin M., Conjunction of Evidence and Fuzzy Logic (July 22, 2012). Cornell Legal Studies Research Paper No. 12-58, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2115200 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2115200

Kevin M. Clermont (Contact Author)

Cornell Law School ( email )

Myron Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
United States
607-255-5189 (Phone)
607-255-7193 (Fax)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
308
Abstract Views
2,134
Rank
179,865
PlumX Metrics