Commentary on Richard K. Atkins’ Peirce on Inference

Abstract: Atkins boldly and resourcefully challenges the consensus that Peirce rejects Bayesianism. This commentary situates Atkins’ approach within the broad problem of reconciling Peirce’s theory of inquiry with his philosophy of probability. It finds much to appreciate in Atkins’ approach, but it also raises some textual worries about the proposal and offers an alternative conception of belief and degrees of belief.