New developments in AI

>It is, admittedly, both technically and philosophically complex. But at the most concrete level, the use of MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) type methods to iteratively ‘solve’ Bayesian networks, allow us - in certain cases - to make strong claims about causes from naturally observed data rather than from carefully randomized experiments.

I am not familiar with these techniques, but judging from past experience with statistical and modeling claims, they more likely just make it easier to get the "evidence" you want from whatever data sets you choose to massage.

"But confidence to the point of arrogance is practically a degree requirement for computer scientists."

Spot On.