This paper presents a Prolog-based reasoning module to generate counterfactual explanations given the predictions computed by a black-box classifier. Our approach comprises four well-defined stages that can be applied to any structured pattern classification problem. Firstly, we pre-process the given dataset by imputing missing values and normalizing the numerical features. Secondly, we transform numerical features into symbolic ones using fuzzy clustering such that extracted fuzzy clusters are mapped to an ordered set of predefined symbols. Thirdly, we encode instances as a Prolog rule using the nominal values, the predefined symbols, the decision classes, and the confidence values. Fourthly, we compute the overall confidence of each Prolog rule using fuzzy-rough set theory to handle the uncertainty caused by transforming numerical quantities into symbols. This step comes with an additional theoretical contribution to a new similarity function to compare the previously defined Prolog rules involving confidence values. Finally, we implement a chatbot as a proxy between humans and the Prolog-based reasoning module to resolve natural language queries and generate counterfactual explanations. During the numerical simulations using synthetic datasets, we study the performance of our system when using different fuzzy operators and similarity functions.

Machine-learning solutions for pattern classification problems are nowadays widely deployed in society and industry. However, the lack of transparency and accountability of most accurate models often hinders their safe use. Thus, there is a clear need for developing explainable artificial intelligence mechanisms. There exist model-agnostic methods that summarize feature contributions, but their interpretability is limited to predictions made by black-box models. An open challenge is to develop models that have intrinsic interpretability and produce their own explanations, even for classes of models that are traditionally considered black boxes like (recurrent) neural networks. In this article, we propose a long-term cognitive network (LTCN) for interpretable pattern classification of structured data. Our method brings its own mechanism for providing explanations by quantifying the relevance of each feature in the decision process. For supporting the interpretability without affecting the performance, the model incorporates more flexibility through a quasi-nonlinear reasoning rule that allows controlling nonlinearity. Besides, we propose a recurrence-aware decision model that evades the issues posed by the unique fixed point while introducing a deterministic learning algorithm to compute the tunable parameters. The simulations show that our interpretable model obtains competitive results when compared to state-of-the-art white and black-box models.

After 30 years of research, challenges and solutions, Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) have become a suitable knowledgebased methodology for modeling and simulation. This technique is especially attractive when modeling systems that are characterized by ambiguity, complexity and non-trivial causality. FCMs are well-known due to the transparency achieved during modeling tasks. The literature reports successful studies related to the modeling of complex systems using FCMs. However, the situation is not the same when it comes to software implementations where domain experts can design FCM-based systems, run simulations or perform more advanced experiments. The existing implementations are not proficient in providing many options to adjust essential parameters during the modeling steps. The gap between the theoretical advances and the development of accurate, transparent and sound FCM-based systems advocates for the creation of more complete and flexible software products. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to introduce FCM Expert, a software tool for fuzzy cognitive modeling oriented to scenario analysis and pattern classification. The main features of FCM Expert rely on Machine Learning algorithms to compute the parameters defining the model, optimize the network topology and improve the system convergence without losing information. On the other hand, FCM Expert allows performing WHAT-IF simulations and studying the system behavior through a friendly, intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface.

Many papers describe the use of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps as a modeling/representation technique for real-life scenarios’ simulation or prediction. However, not many real software implementations are described neither found. In this proposal the authors describe a modeling and experimentation framework where realistic problems can be recreated using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps as a knowledge representation form. Design elements, and descriptions of the algorithms that have been incorporated into the software, and hybridized with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, are presented in this paper. Case studies were conducted and are illustrated with the intention of demonstrating the success and practical value of the general approach together with the implementation tool.

During the last decade Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) have become a useful tool for solving unstructured problems. In a few words they could be defined as Recurrent Neural Networks for simulating complex systems, where neurons denote concepts, objects or entities of the investigated system. Normally FCM are entirely designed using the best knowledge of a group of experts in a given domain, so frequently learning algorithms for tuning the model parameters are required. Despite the theoretical advances in such fields, the lack of a suitable computational framework for handling FCM-based systems is still an open problem. This paper introduces a novel tool for designing and simulating FCM which gathers several learning algorithms for adjusting the introduced parameters. More specifically, the framework includes supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms for computing the causal weights, algorithms for optimizing the network topology in large FCM (without losing significant information) and also methods for improving the global convergence on continuous FCM. It should be stated that these algorithms are oriented to prediction tasks, but they could be easily extended to other fields.

The use of present pedagogical methods and Information and Communication Technologies produce a new quality that favors the task of generating, transmitting and sharing knowledge. That is the case of the pedagogical effect that produces the use of the Concept Maps, which are considered a learning technique as a way to increase meaningful learning in the sciences. It is also used for the knowledge management as an aid to personalize the learning process, to exchange knowledge, and to learn how to learn. Concept Mapping provides a framework for making this internal knowledge explicit in a visual form that can easily be examined and shared. Concept Maps are relevant since they can be retrieved or adapted to new problems. In the other hand, Case-Based Reasoning as a technique in Artificial Intelligence plays an important role in knowledge retrieval and reuse of memories. In this paper the authors present a new approach to elaborate Intelligent Teaching/Learning Systems, where the techniques of Concept Maps and Artificial Intelligence are combined, using the Case-Based Reasoning as theoretical framework for the Student Model. The proposed model has been implemented in the computational system HESEI, which has been successfully used in the teaching/learning process by laymen in the Computer Science field.

The use of pedagogical methods with the technologies of the information and communications produce a new quality that favors the task of generating, transmitting and sharing knowledge. Such is the case of the pedagogical effect that produces the use of the Concept Maps, which constitute a tool for the management of knowledge, an aid to personalize the learning process, to exchange knowledge, and to learn how to learn. Effective knowledge management maintains the knowledge assets of an organization by identifying and capturing useful information in a usable form, and by supporting refinement and reuse of that information in service of the organization's goals. Concept Mapping provides a framework for making this internal knowledge explicit in a visual form that can easily be examined and shared. However, it does not address how relevant Concept Maps can be retrieved or adapted to new problems. Case-Based Reasoning is playing an increasing role in knowledge retrieval and reuse for corporate memories, and its capabilities are appealing to augment the concept mapping process. In this paper the authors present a new approach to elaborate Intelligent Teaching-Learning Systems, where the techniques of concepts diagrams and Artificial Intelligence are combined, using the Case-Based Reasoning as theoretical framework for the Student Model. The proposed model has been implemented in the computational system HESEI, which has been successfully applied in the teaching-learning process by laymen in the Computer Science field.