Trying to resolve the two-envelope problem

Casper J. Albers*, Barteld P. Kooi, Willem Schaafsma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
614 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

After explaining the well-known two-envelope 'paradox' by indicating the fallacy involved, we consider the two-envelope 'problem' of evaluating the 'factual' information provided to us in the form of the value contained by the envelope chosen first. We try to provide a synthesis of contributions from economy, psychology, logic, probability theory (in the form of Bayesian statistics), mathematical statistics (in the form of a decision-theoretic approach) and game theory. We conclude that the two-envelope problem does not allow a satisfactory solution. An interpretation is made for statistical science at large.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-109
Number of pages21
JournalSynthese
Volume145
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May-2005

Keywords

  • 2 ENVELOPE PARADOX
  • PUZZLES

Cite this