From Arguments to Constraints on a Bayesian Network

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a way to derive constraints for a Bayesian Network from structured arguments. Argumentation and Bayesian networks can both be considered decision support techniques, but are typically used by experts with different backgrounds. Bayesian network experts have the mathematical skills to understand and construct such networks, but lack expertise in the application domain; domain experts may feel more comfortable with argumentation approaches. Our proposed method allows us to check Bayesian networks given arguments constructed for the same problem, and also allows for transforming arguments into a Bayesian network structure, thereby facilitating Bayesian network construction.