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Causality: Models, Reasoning, and Inference

Asher Bell

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**By Judea Pearl**

Causality

by Judea Pearl

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12743 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	464 pages

Causality is one of the most fundamental concepts in human thought. We use it to make sense of the world around us, to plan for the future, and to learn from our mistakes. But what exactly is causality? And how can we reason about it in a rigorous way?

In his groundbreaking book, Causality, Judea Pearl provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and reasoning about causality. Pearl argues that causality is not simply a matter of correlation, but rather a matter of intervention. In other words, a cause is something that, if intervened upon, would change the outcome.

Pearl's framework is based on the idea of a causal graph. A causal graph is a directed graph in which the nodes represent variables and the edges represent causal relationships. By drawing a causal graph, we can make explicit the assumptions we are making about the causal relationships between the variables in our system.

Once we have a causal graph, we can use it to reason about the effects of interventions. By intervening on a variable, we can change the value of that variable and observe the effects on the other variables in the system. This allows us to test our causal assumptions and to learn about the causal relationships between the variables in our system.

Pearl's framework is a powerful tool for understanding and reasoning about causality. It is essential reading for anyone interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or philosophy of science.

Key Features

Provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and reasoning about causality
Based on the idea of a causal graph
Allows us to test our causal assumptions and to learn about the causal relationships between variables
Essential reading for anyone interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or philosophy of science

Reviews

"Causality is a tour de force. It is the most comprehensive and rigorous treatment of causality that I have ever read. Pearl has made a major contribution to our understanding of this fundamental concept."—Edward Spirtes, Carnegie Mellon University

"Causality is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the nature of causality and how to reason about it. Pearl's framework is clear, concise, and powerful."—Donald Rubin, Harvard University

"Causality is a groundbreaking book that will change the way we think about causality. Pearl's framework is a major advance that will have a significant impact on a wide range of disciplines."—Peter Spirtes, Carnegie Mellon University