Exploring how our brain constructs our reality and the potential mistakes and quirks that can occur, along with the concept of constantly guessing what is happening.
University of Sussex cognitive philosophy professor Andy Clark joins us to discuss how our brains experience and manipulate the reality that surrounds us.
What We Discuss with Andy Clark:
How your brain operates as a prediction machine that constructs an estimation of reality based on available data rather than relaying an entirely precise narrative of the outside world.
The problems that arise when the senses through which your brain gathers data don't always convey an accurate picture of reality.
What phantom vibration syndrome and auditory hallucinations may indicate about your brain's capacity for prediction.
How your brain fills in the gaps when sensory information is missing or incomplete.
Why placebos are often effective — even when you know they're placebos.