A Predicate/State Transformer Semantics for Bayesian Learning

This paper establishes a link between Bayesian inference (learning) and predicate and state transformer operations from programming semantics and logic. Specifically, a very general definition of backward inference is given via first applying a predicate transformer and then conditioning. Analogously, forward inference involves first conditioning and then applying a state transformer. These definitions are illustrated in many examples in discrete and continuous probability theory and also in quantum theory.