Episode 10 — Probability and Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Certified - Introduction to AI

Real-world decisions are rarely black and white, and AI systems must navigate uncertainty just as humans do. This episode explores how probability theory underpins reasoning when outcomes are incomplete, noisy, or ambiguous. We begin with core concepts like random variables, probability distributions, and conditional probability, then move to Bayes’ theorem as a method for updating beliefs with new evidence. Listeners will also learn about Bayesian networks, Markov models, and hidden Markov models, which capture sequential or hidden states in data. These methods are explained in the context of decision theory, where rational choice requires assigning utility values to outcomes and selecting actions that maximize expected benefit.

Applications bring these abstract tools to life. From probabilistic robotics guiding machines in uncertain environments, to natural language processing models predicting the next word, probability allows AI to operate in the messy world outside the lab. Monte Carlo methods, sampling techniques, and anomaly detection further illustrate how uncertainty is not an obstacle but a core part of intelligent behavior. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how AI systems model risk, evaluate trade-offs, and make decisions under uncertainty — an essential perspective for exams and real-world practice alike. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.