Semantic Axis Decomposition of Transformer Embeddings

This work presents an advanced method for interpreting sentence-transformer embeddings through semantic axis decomposition, capsule layering, and recursive reasoning. We identify top-N meaningful dimensions using Random Forests and assign human-interpretable labels such as "emotionality", "scientificness", and "question intent". Beyond flat interpretation, we introduce multi-layered capsule coordinates and define semantic floors—recursive embedding levels created via selective traversal across capsule stacks. Each floor transition is compactly approximated by two scalar parameters: (α) influence magnitude and (θ) semantic shift direction. This enables low-cost, interpretable, and modular reasoning. Floor pruning is also introduced: upper semantic floors can be deactivated when they contribute minimal effect, preserving performance without sacrificing depth. This is a conceptual and visual demonstration. Code and GUI tools to be released separately. Keywords: transformer, embeddings, interpretability, semantic floors, latent space, capsule layers, XAI, sentence-transformers, recursive reasoning Interactive prototype and source code:https://github.com/kexi-bq/embedding-explainer

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-05-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15516088
Primary Topic
Multimodal Machine Learning Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Semantic Axis Decomposition of Transformer Embeddings

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Multimodal Machine Learning Applications
article

Semantic Axis Decomposition of Transformer Embeddings

article en

Abstract

This work presents an advanced method for interpreting sentence-transformer embeddings through semantic axis decomposition, capsule layering, and recursive reasoning. We identify top-N meaningful dimensions using Random Forests and assign human-interpretable labels such as "emotionality", "scientificness", and "question intent". Beyond flat interpretation, we introduce multi-layered capsule coordinates and define semantic floors—recursive embedding levels created via selective traversal across capsule stacks. Each floor transition is compactly approximated by two scalar parameters: (α) influence magnitude and (θ) semantic shift direction. This enables low-cost, interpretable, and modular reasoning. Floor pruning is also introduced: upper semantic floors can be deactivated when they contribute minimal effect, preserving performance without sacrificing depth. This is a conceptual and visual demonstration. Code and GUI tools to be released separately. Keywords: transformer, embeddings, interpretability, semantic floors, latent space, capsule layers, XAI, sentence-transformers, recursive reasoning Interactive prototype and source code:https://github.com/kexi-bq/embedding-explainer

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Multimodal Machine Learning Applications
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