preprints.org > physical sciences > thermodynamics > doi: 10.20944/preprints202002.0066.v3

Preprint Article Version 3 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 4 February 2020 / Approved: 5 February 2020 / Online: 5 February 2020 (12:43:30 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 7 February 2020 / Approved: 10 February 2020 / Online: 10 February 2020 (09:11:51 CET)
Version 3 : Received: 26 February 2020 / Approved: 27 February 2020 / Online: 27 February 2020 (10:55:05 CET)

We propose a partial information decomposition based on the newly introduced framework of causal tensors, i.e., multilinear stochastic maps that transform source data into destination data. The innovation that causal tensors introduce is that the framework allows for an exact expression of an indirect association in terms of the constituting, direct associations. This is not possible when expressing associations only in measures like mutual information or transfer entropy. Instead of a priori expressing associations in terms of mutual information or transfer entropy, the a posteriori expression of associations in these terms results in an intuitive definition of a nonnegative and left monotonic redundancy, which also meets the identity property. Our proposed redundancy satisfies the three axioms introduced by Williams and Beer. Symmetry and self-redundancy axioms follow directly from our definition. The data processing inequality ensures that the monotonicity axiom is satisfied. Because causal tensors can describe both mutual information as transfer entropy, the partial information decomposition applies to both measures. Results show that the decomposition closely resembles the decomposition of other another approach that expresses associations in terms of mutual information a posteriori. A negative synergistic term could indicate that there is an unobserved common cause.

information theory; causal inference; causal tensors; transfer entropy; partial information decomposition; left monotonicity; identity property; unobserved common cause

Physical Sciences, Thermodynamics

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