Why and How Should We Explain AI?
Stefan Buijsman (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology, TU Delft - Values Technology and Innovation)
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Abstract
Why should we explain opaque algorithms? Here four papers are discussed that argue that, in fact, we don’t have to. Explainability, according to them, isn’t needed for trust in algorithms, nor is it needed for other goals we might have. I give a critical overview of these arguments, showing that there is still room to think that explainability is required for responsible AI. With that in mind, the second part of the paper looks at how we might achieve this end goal. I proceed not from technical tools in explainability, but rather highlight accounts of explanation in philosophy that might inform what those technical tools should ultimately deliver. While there is disagreement here on what constitutes an explanation, the three accounts surveyed offer a good overview of the current theoretical landscape in philosophy and of what information might constitute an explanation. As such, they can hopefully inspire improvements to the technical explainability tools.