Bayesian Inference 2, University of Eastern Finland 2017
The Bayesian interpretation of probability is epistemic, meaning random variable x‘s probability distribution p(x) represents our knowledge and uncertainty about x‘s value.
A deterministic variable is defined by a mathematical function that returns its value given values for its parents. Deterministic variables are sometimes called the systemic part of the model. The nomenclature is a bit confusing, because these objects usually represent random variables; since its parents are random, it is random also. A more descriptive (though more awkward) name for this class would be Determined-By-Values-Of-Parents.