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Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST)
THE HARD PROBLEM OF OBSERVERS - WOLFRAM & FRISTON [SPECIAL EDITION]
Oct 29, 2023
In this special conversation, Stephen Wolfram, a celebrated computer scientist known for the Wolfram Physics Project, and Carl Friston, a pioneering neuroscientist behind the Free Energy Principle, tackle profound questions about existence. They explore what defines an observer and agency in both natural and artificial worlds. Topics include how observers shape their perceptions, the intricacies of agency in AI, and the philosophical implications of predictability versus unpredictability in our universe. Their combined insights push the boundaries of understanding agency, consciousness, and reality.
01:59:29
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Quick takeaways
- Observers actively seek to minimize surprise and maximize predictability in their environment.
- Building internal models and exploring alternative paths are key components of an observer's behavior.
Deep dives
The Role of Free Energy Principle in Understanding Observers
The free energy principle, developed by Drs. Friston and Wolfram, offers insights into the behavior and characteristics of observers. An observer, unlike a passive object, has agency and the ability to plan and make choices. The principle suggests that observers actively seek to minimize surprise and maximize predictability in their environment. This requires the construction of internal models that capture beliefs about the causes and consequences of sensory input. The concept of counterfactual thinking and the ability to explore different trajectories are key components of an observer. The boundary between the observer and the observed, known as the Markov blanket, separates internal states from external states. The observer's actions and feedback from the environment are crucial for maintaining a coherent identity and making predictions. While it may be challenging to identify the presence of counterfactual planning and agency in a system purely from external observations, it is crucial in understanding the behavior of observers.
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