Bayesian in principle, but not always in practice

Before considering the whys and wherefores of Bayesian reasoning in practice, the author considers the different uses of the term and the role that Bayesian reasoning should play for the scientific community. Probabilistic reasoning or modeling, together with its partner, decision theory, is a key theoretical tool for addressing uncertainty in intelligent systems of all kinds. Probabilistic reasoning comes in many shapes and sizes, and does not necessarily imply the use of Bayesian methods proper, as the author discusses.