Maximin reasoning, as defended by Rawls and rooted in Wald's statistical decision theory, recommends choosing the bridge maximizing the worst-case survival probability, not the expected-value-maximizing mixed strategy.

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Expected-value-maximizing(as the alternative approach being rejected in the statement): Choosing an option based on what would give you the highest average or most likely payoff across all possible outcomes, rather than protecting yourself from bad scenarios.
Maximin reasoning(as a philosophical approach to making choices): A decision-making strategy where you choose the option that gives you the best worst-case outcome, rather than chasing the biggest average payoff.
Rawls(as the philosopher whose ideas are being referenced): John Rawls, a 20th-century philosopher famous for developing theories about justice and fairness in society.
Wald's statistical decision theory(as the theoretical foundation for maximin reasoning): A mathematical framework created by statistician Abraham Wald for making decisions under uncertainty by considering all possible outcomes and choosing strategies that minimize risk.
Worst-case survival probability(as the outcome being maximized in the bridge example): The lowest chance of surviving that could happen under a particular choice, focusing on the scenario where things go most badly.
mixed strategy(The uniform three-way randomization over bridges is the mixed strategy under analysis.): A strategy in which a player assigns probabilities over available actions and randomizes according to that distribution.

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