Very Bad Wizards Episode 310: Bayes, Brains, and Buddhists
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Jun 10, 2025 Join a lively discussion that delves into the intriguing world of predictive processing theory and its unexpected connection to meditation. Explore the peculiar notion of people without an inner voice and what that means for cognition. The hosts dissect the fine line between visual and verbal thought processes, touching on social anxiety and its ties to inner speech. They also examine the intersection of Buddhist concepts and neuroscience, raising questions about meditation's impact on cognitive functions. Prepare for a mind-bending journey into thought and perception!
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David's No Inner Speech Experience
- David Pizarro reports he lacks the typical inner verbal voice most people experience.
- He thinks in concepts and images rather than words, rarely talking to himself internally.
Brain as Prediction Error Minimizer
- The brain's primary function is to minimize prediction error through hierarchical, top-down models.
- Actions or model updates occur when sensory inputs conflict with predictions to reduce surprise.
Active Inference in Brain Function
- Organisms can change the world to fit their predictive models, not just update the models.
- This active inference means the brain actively creates an environment matching expectations.