Does Algorithmic Probability Solve the Problem of Induction
Ray J. Solomonoff · 2006
1 Introduction We will begin with a definition of Algorithmic Probability (ALP), and discuss some of its properties. From these remarks it will become clear that it is extremely effective for computing probabilities of future events-- the best technique we have. As such, it gives us an ideal theoretical solution to the problem of inductive inference. I say "theoretical " because any device as accurate as ALP must necessarily be incomputable. For practical induction we use a set of approximations of increasing power to approach ALP. This set is called Resource Bounded Probability (RBP), and it constitutes a general solution to the problem of practical induction. Some of its properties are quite different from those of ALP.