The Jordan Harbinger Show 887: Andy Clark | How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality
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Aug 29, 2023 Andy Clark, a cognitive philosophy professor at the University of Sussex, dives deep into how our brains predict and shape reality. He explains that our minds act as prediction machines, often misinterpreting data from our senses. The conversation touches on phenomena like phantom vibrations and auditory hallucinations, revealing what they say about our brain's predictive powers. Clark also explores the efficacy of placebos and the complexities of perception, especially under stress, shedding light on the ethical implications in healthcare and decision-making.
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Brain as a Prediction Machine
- Our brains are prediction machines, constantly constructing reality based on available data.
- This hallucination must be accurate enough for successful action.
The Brain's Generative Model
- The brain uses a generative model, similar to Chat GPT, to create predictions.
- Prediction errors help refine the model and drive learning.
Lotto's Basement Epiphany
- Jordan Harbinger recounts learning about the brain's role in constructing reality from neuroscientist Beau Lotto.
- This realization came from understanding how blind people can see using sensory substitution.