A PC Algorithm for Max-Linear Bayesian Networks

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Améndola, Carlos, Hollering, Benjamin, Nowell, Francesco
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2025
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author Améndola, Carlos
Hollering, Benjamin
Nowell, Francesco
author_facet Améndola, Carlos
Hollering, Benjamin
Nowell, Francesco
contents Max-linear Bayesian networks (MLBNs) are a relatively recent class of structural equation models which arise when the random variables involved have heavy-tailed distributions. Unlike most directed graphical models, MLBNs are typically not faithful to d-separation and thus classical causal discovery algorithms such as the PC algorithm or greedy equivalence search can not be used to accurately recover the true graph structure. In this paper, we begin the study of constraint-based discovery algorithms for MLBNs given an oracle for testing conditional independence in the true, unknown graph. We show that if the oracle is given by the $\ast$-separation criteria in the true graph, then the PC algorithm remains consistent despite the presence of additional CI statements implied by $\ast$-separation. We also introduce a new causal discovery algorithm named "PCstar" which assumes faithfulness to $C^\ast$-separation and is able to orient additional edges which cannot be oriented with only d- or $\ast$-separation.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_13967
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A PC Algorithm for Max-Linear Bayesian Networks
Améndola, Carlos
Hollering, Benjamin
Nowell, Francesco
Machine Learning
Combinatorics
Statistics Theory
62H22, 14T90, 05C20, 62R01
Max-linear Bayesian networks (MLBNs) are a relatively recent class of structural equation models which arise when the random variables involved have heavy-tailed distributions. Unlike most directed graphical models, MLBNs are typically not faithful to d-separation and thus classical causal discovery algorithms such as the PC algorithm or greedy equivalence search can not be used to accurately recover the true graph structure. In this paper, we begin the study of constraint-based discovery algorithms for MLBNs given an oracle for testing conditional independence in the true, unknown graph. We show that if the oracle is given by the $\ast$-separation criteria in the true graph, then the PC algorithm remains consistent despite the presence of additional CI statements implied by $\ast$-separation. We also introduce a new causal discovery algorithm named "PCstar" which assumes faithfulness to $C^\ast$-separation and is able to orient additional edges which cannot be oriented with only d- or $\ast$-separation.
title A PC Algorithm for Max-Linear Bayesian Networks
topic Machine Learning
Combinatorics
Statistics Theory
62H22, 14T90, 05C20, 62R01
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.13967