Toward an Embodied, Embedded Predictive Processing Account.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Predictive processing theories view the brain as a predictive organ.
• Existing frameworks include 'cognitivist predictive processing' (narrow scope) and 'free energy enactivism' (broad scope, including non-living systems).
• Neither existing framework fully explains complex human cognition or the role of the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an Embodied, Embedded Predictive Processing (EEPP) framework.
• To reconcile the strengths of cognitivist predictive processing and free energy enactivism.
• To elucidate the constitutive role of the body in prediction error minimization.

Main Methods:

• Mechanistic methodology of explanation.
• Distinguishing prediction error minimization from the free energy principle.
• Developing a theoretical account of EEPP.

Main Results:

• EEPP integrates the free energy principle with mental representations.
• EEPP highlights the constitutive role of the body in minimizing prediction error.
• The body regulates, distributes cognitive load, and constrains information processing.

Conclusions:

• EEPP offers a balanced approach, incorporating neural processes and the body's role.
• The body, embedded in an environment, plays a crucial constitutive role in cognition.
• EEPP provides a more complete explanation of situated cognition and human cognitive phenomena.