ISSN:
1432-2064
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mathematics
Notes:
Summary An arbitrary finitely additive probability can be decomposed uniquely into a convex combination of a countably additive probability and a purely finitely additive (PFA) one. The coefficient of the PFA probability is an upper bound on the extent to which conglomerability may fail in a finitely additive probability with that decomposition. If the probability is defined on a σ-field, the bound is sharp. Hence, non-conglomerability (or equivalently non-disintegrability) characterizes finitely as opposed to countably additive probability. Nonetheless, there exists a PFA probability which is simultaneously conglomerable over an arbitrary finite set of partitions. Neither conglomerability nor non-conglomerability in a given partition is closed under convex combinations. But the convex combination of PFA ultrafilter probabilities, each of which cannot be made conglomerable in a common margin, is singular with respect to any finitely additive probability that is conglomerable in that margin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00531529
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