Understanding Perception as Controlled Hallucination

In this episode, we sit down with Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, to explore the paradoxical effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. Drawing from her research, Valeria explains how this Theravada Buddhist practice challenges our typical understanding of attention and sensory awareness. Using the predictive processing framework, she reveals how focused attention can lead to the dissolution of bodily boundaries, a phenomenon known as bhaṅga. Together, we delve into the implications of her findings for well-being and discuss how this meditative technique could inform therapeutic approaches for addiction, emotional dysregulation, and self-regulation. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practices.