Abstract. This paper presents a Bayesian method for constructing probabilistic networks from databases. In particular, we focus on constructing Bayesian belief networks. Potential applications include computer-assisted hypothesis testing, automated scientific discovery, and automated construction of probabilistic expert systems. We extend the basic method to handle missing data and hidden (latent) variables. We show how to perform probabilistic inference by averaging over the inferences of multiple belief networks. Results are presented of a preliminary evaluation of an algorithm for constructing a belief network from a database of cases. Finally, we relate the methods in this paper to previous work, and we discuss open problems.

Despite their different perspectives, artificial intelligence (AI) and the disciplines of decision science have common roots and strive for similar goals. This paper surveys the potential for addressing problems in representation, inference, knowledge engineering, and explanation within the decision-theoretic framework. Recent analyses of the restrictions of several traditional AI reasoning techniques, coupled with the development of more tractable and expressive decisiontheoretic representation and inference strategies, have stimulated renewed interest in decision theory and decision analysis. We describe early experience with simple probabilistic schemes for automated reasoning, review the dominant expert-system paradigm, and survey some recent research at the crossroads of AI and decision science. In particular, we present the belief network and influence diagram representations. Finally, we discuss issues that have not been studied in detail within the expert-systems sett...

This thesis develops the idea of probabilistic arithmetic. The aim is to replace arithmetic operations on numbers with arithmetic operations on random variables. Specifically, we are interested in numerical methods of calculating convolutions of probability distributions. The long-term goal is to be able to handle random problems (such as the determination of the distribution of the roots of random algebraic equations) using algorithms which have been developed for the deterministic case. To this end, in this thesis we survey a number of previously proposed methods for calculating convolutions and representing probability distributions and examine their defects. We develop some new results for some of these methods (the Laguerre transform and the histogram method), but ultimately find them unsuitable. We find that the details on how the ordinary convolution equations are calculated are

Researchers in artificial intelligence and decision analysis share a concern with the construction of formal models of human knowledge and expertise. Historically, however, their approaches to these problems have diverged. Members of these two communities have recently discovered common ground: a family of graphical models of decision theory known as influence diagrams or as belief networks. These models are equally attractive to theoreticians, decision modelers, and designers of knowledge-based systems. From a theoretical perspective, they combine graph theory, probability theory and decision theory. From an implementation perspective, they lead to powerful automated systems. Although many practicing decision analysts have already adopted influence diagrams as modeling and structuring tools, they may remain unaware of the theoretical work that has emerged from the artificial intelligence community. This paper surveys the first decade or so of this work. Investment Technology Group, ...

This paper introduces fuzzy belief nets (FBN). The ability to invert arcs between nodes is key to solving belief nets. The inversion is accomplished by defining closeness measures which allow diagnostic reasoning from observed symptoms to cause of failures. The closeness measures are motivated by a Lukasiewicz operator which takes into account the distance from an observed symptom set to the modeled symptom set for all failure combinations. Hypothesized failures are then ranked according to maximum closeness measure and minimum cover, i.e., number of faults. Within the realm of fuzzy logic we show the graphical representation and solution of fuzzy belief nets.