Consciousness in the predictive mind

The prediction error minimization (PEM) account of brain function may explain perception, learning, action, attention and understanding. That at least is what its proponents claim, and I suggested in an earlier post that perhaps the brain does nothing but minimize its prediction error. So far I haven’t talked explicitly about …

Prediction error minimization and embodiment

One of the anonymous reviewers of my book manuscript remarked, with approval, that it contained very little discussion of embodied, extended and enactive (EEE) cognition. Probably this omission stems from my Kantian gut feeling that an explanation of mind and cognition must appeal only to what happens after sensory input …

Is prediction error minimization all there is to the mind?

The prediction error minimization theory (PEM) says that the brain continually seeks to minimize its prediction error – minimize the difference between its predictions about the sensory input and the actual sensory input. It is an extremely simple idea but from it arises a surprisingly resourceful conception of brain processing. …

Introspective Attention: Transparency or Acquaintance? Part 1

Given that the school year at CMU starts today, this will be my last post (split in two). Thanks to readers for very helpful discussion in the previous posts. Part 2 will be published late Tuesday or Wednesday. [Update: teaching classes today, so will be slower to respond, though I …

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