On the Behavior of Dempster’s Rule of Combination and the Foundations of Dempster-Shafer Theory,” (Best paper award

Abstract—On the base of simple emblematic example we analyze and explain the inconsistent and inadequate behavior of Dempster-Shafer’s rule of combination as a valid method to combine sources of evidences. We identify the cause and the effect of the dictatorial power behavior of this rule and of its impossibility to manage the conflicts between the sources. For a comparison purpose, we present the respective solution obtained by the more efficient PCR5 fusion rule proposed originally in Dezert-Smarandache Theory framework. Finally, we identify and prove the inherent contradiction of Dempster-Shafer Theory foundations. Keywords—Belief functions; Dempster-Shafer Theory; DSmT; PCR5; contradiction