Question
12. Three prisoners A, B, and C- are in a prison camp. They all know that one of them is to be executed and the
12. Three prisoners A, B, and C- are in a prison camp. They all know that one of them is to be executed and the other two are to be set free. However, the warden has not announced who will be executed. Being curious, prisoner A asks the warden, who is an honest man, to tell her which of the other two prisoners is to be set free; she already knows that at least one of the other two will be set free.
a. Suppose that prisoner A believes that it is equally likely that nay one of the three prisoners will be executed. She also thinks that if both prisoners B and C are to be set free, the warden is equally likely to name either one. The warden quietly tells her that prisoner B is to be set free and she agrees not to tell this to the other two prisoners. In light of the wardens remarks, what probability should prisoner A assign to the event of being executed herself? Does this probability make sense to you?
b. Prisoner C believes that he is twice as likely as B to be the one executed, and B and A are equally likely to be the unfortunate one. He asks the warden the same question that A asked. He believes that if both prisoners B and A are to be set free, the warden is twice as likely to name A as B. If the warden tells him B is to be set free, what probability should prisoner C assign to the event of A being executed.
c. A new prisoner, named D, enters the camp and prisoner A tells him that either prisoner A (herself) or prisoner C will be executed. Prisoner D believes that the warden favors neither A nor C. What probability should prisoner D assign to the event of prisoner A being executed? Compare this to your answer for part (a) and explain.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started