Abstract Developers of artificial intelligence (AI) often cannot explain the inferences their neural networks make, at least not in ways that satisfy user needs. XAI—explainable artificial intelligence—aims to develop techniques for providing such explanations. XAI researchers have adopted techniques that, to philosophers, seem representationalist–internalist, leading some philosophers to call for more externalist alternatives. But is explaining AI models through causally related external factors feasible? I suggest we compare the idea of externalist XAI to so‐called functionalist XAI. Two common arguments against functionalist XAI are the Epistemic Argument and the Trust Argument, respectively. I discuss whether these arguments can be met by externalists, as well as a new, previously unnoticed challenge from random initialization.

Anders Søgaard

Theoria

Since its foundation in 1935, Theoria publishes research in all areas of philosophy. Theoria is committed to precision and clarity in philosophical discussions, and encourages cooperation between philosophy and other disciplines. The journal is not affiliated with any particular school or faction. Instead, it promotes dialogues between different philosophical viewpoints. Theoria is peer-reviewed. It publishes articles, reviews, and shorter notes and discussions. Short discussion notes on recent articles in Theoria are welcome.

Since its establishment in 1935, Theoria (Spain) has been dedicated to research in all areas of philosophy. The journal emphasizes precision and clarity in philosophical discussions and encourages collaboration between philosophy and other disciplines. Theoria is not affiliated with any particular school or faction; instead, it fosters dialogue between different philosophical viewpoints. The journal is peer-reviewed and publishes articles, reviews, and shorter notes and discussions. Short discussion notes on recent articles in Theoria are welcome.

《Theoria（西班牙）》自1935年创刊以来，致力于哲学各领域的研究。该期刊强调哲学讨论的精确性和清晰性，鼓励哲学与其他学科之间的合作。《Theoria》不隶属于任何特定的学派或派系，而是促进不同哲学观点之间的对话。该期刊经过同行评审，发表文章、书评以及简短的笔记和讨论。欢迎对《Theoria》近期文章的简短讨论笔记。

Category	Quartile
哲学	4
哲学, 科学史与科学哲学	4

Externalist XAI?

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE	2