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Scaling the Explanation of Multi-Class Bayesian Network Classifiers

arXiv cs.AI / 3/17/2026

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Key Points

  • The article presents a new algorithm for compiling Bayesian network classifiers (BNCs) into class formulas, enabling explicit input-output representations of the classifier.
  • Class formulas serve to support logical explanations of classifier decisions, aligning with explainable AI approaches.
  • Unlike prior work, the algorithm handles multiclass (not restricted to binary) BNCs, broadening its applicability.
  • The method demonstrates significant improvements in compilation time compared to previous approaches.
  • The produced class formulas are in negation normal form (NNF) circuits that are OR-decomposable, which facilitates efficient computation of explanations.

Abstract

We propose a new algorithm for compiling Bayesian network classifier (BNC) into class formulas. Class formulas are logical formulas that represent a classifier's input-output behavior, and are crucial in the recent line of work that uses logical reasoning to explain the decisions made by classifiers. Compared to prior work on compiling class formulas of BNCs, our proposed algorithm is not restricted to binary classifiers, shows significant improvement in compilation time, and outputs class formulas as negation normal form (NNF) circuits that are OR-decomposable, which is an important property when computing explanations of classifiers.