Explainable AI and causal understanding : Counterfactual approaches considered
Journal article
Baron, Sam. (2023). Explainable AI and causal understanding : Counterfactual approaches considered. Minds and Machines. 33(2), pp. 347-377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-023-09637-x
Authors | Baron, Sam |
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Abstract | The counterfactual approach to explainable AI (XAI) seeks to provide understanding of AI systems through the provision of counterfactual explanations. In a recent systematic review, Chou et al. (Inform Fus 81:59–83, 2022) argue that the counterfactual approach does not clearly provide causal understanding. They diagnose the problem in terms of the underlying framework within which the counterfactual approach has been developed. To date, the counterfactual approach has not been developed in concert with the approach for specifying causes developed by Pearl (Causality: Models, reasoning, and inference. Cambridge University Press, 2000) and Woodward (Making things happen: A theory of causal explanation. Oxford University Press, 2003). In this paper, I build on Chou et al.’s work by applying the Pearl-Woodward approach. I argue that the standard counterfactual approach to XAI is capable of delivering causal understanding, but that there are limitations on its capacity to do so. I suggest a way to overcome these limitations. |
Keywords | counterfactuals; explanation; causation; interventions; understanding; XAI |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | Minds and Machines |
Journal citation | 33 (2), pp. 347-377 |
Publisher | Springer |
ISSN | 0924-6495 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-023-09637-x |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-8516137954 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Page range | 347-377 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 09 Jun 2023 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 14 May 2023 |
Deposited | 20 Dec 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/900w4/explainable-ai-and-causal-understanding-counterfactual-approaches-considered
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Publisher's version
OA_Baron_2023_Explainable_AI_and_causal_understanding_Counterfactual.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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