# Intelligence plays dice: Stochasticity is essential for machine learning

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2008.07496 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2008.07496/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 17 Aug 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Multilevel Interpretability Of Artificial Neural Networks: Leveraging Framework And Methods From Neuroscience](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.12664/) (2024)
- [Concentration inequalities and optimal number of layers for stochastic deep neural networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.11241/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Many fields view stochasticity as a way to gain computational efficiency, while often having to trade off accuracy. In this perspective article, we argue that stochasticity plays a fundamentally different role in machine learning (ML) and is likely a critical ingredient of intelligent systems. As we review the ML literature, we notice that stochasticity features in many ML methods, affording them robustness, generalizability, and calibration. We also note that randomness seems to be prominent in biological intelligence, from the spiking patterns of individual neurons to the complex behavior of animals. We conclude with a discussion of how we believe stochasticity might shape the future of ML.