CONTRASTIVE EXPLANATIONS FOR IMAGES WITH MONOTONIC ATTRIBUTE FUNCTIONS

In an embodiment, a method for generating contrastive information for a classifier prediction comprises receiving image data representative of an input image, using a deep learning classifier model to predict a first classification for the input image, evaluating the input image using a plurality of classifier functions corresponding to respective high-level features to identify one or more of the high-level features absent from the input image, and identifying, from among the high-level features absent from the input image, a pertinent-negative feature that, if added to the input image, will result in the deep learning classifier model predicting a second classification for the modified input image, the second classification being different from the first classification. In an embodiment, the method includes creating a pertinent-positive image that is a modified version of the input image that has the first classification and fewer than all superpixels of the input image.