Variable Elimination for Forgetting in Probabilistic Graphical Models - A Work in Progress

Braun, Tanya; Gehrke, Marcel; Sauerwald, Kai; Speller, Jan

Abstract

In this article, we take the operators that make up variable elimination in probabilistic graphical models and reinterpret them as forgetting operators in the vein of marginalisation for forgetting in logic. As such, we define the inference task of forgetting in probabilistic graphical models and provide operators to solve the task, discussing effects on complexity versus variable elimination for probabilistic inference. In addition, we consider different properties for forgetting in probabilistic graphical models, arguing whether variable elimination as forgetting fulfils them. We also discuss the limits of forgetting using variable elimination as well as other dimensions and approaches to forgetting in probabilistic graphical models.