On the relevance of the Bayesian approach to Statistics

TL;DR

This paper advocates for the practical relevance and unifying power of Bayesian data analysis, emphasizing its effectiveness in handling complex models across applied sciences, while sidestepping philosophical debates.

Contribution

It argues for the importance of Bayesian methods in applied sciences and dismisses philosophical controversies as unhelpful and confusing.

Findings

Increasing adoption of Bayesian methods in applied sciences

Bayesian analysis effectively manages complex models

The approach is relevant and unifying across disciplines

Abstract

We argue here about the relevance and the ultimate unity of the Bayesian approach in a neutral and agnostic manner. Our main theme is that Bayesian data analysis is an effective tool for handling complex models, as proven by the increasing proportion of Bayesian studies in the applied sciences. We disregard in this essay the philosophical debates on the deeper meaning of probability and on the random nature of parameters as things of the past that do a disservice to the approach and are incomprehensible to most bystanders.