BPPA Masterclass on Action-Oriented Predictive Coding

October 26, 2013 - October 27, 2013
Department of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh
United Kingdom

Sponsor(s):

  • Scots Philosophical Association

Speakers:

Andy Clark
University of Edinburgh
Mark Sprevak
University of Edinburgh
Dave Ward
University of Edinburgh

Organisers:

Alessio Bucci
University of Edinburgh
Joe Dewhurst
University of Edinburgh
Krzysztof Dołęga
(unaffiliated)
Rosa Hardt
University of Edinburgh

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We would like to invite you to a masterclass on action-oriented predictive processing, a model of cognition that has recently come to the attention of philosophers of mind and cognitive science.

Action-oriented predictive coding is a new theoretical framework emerging from the study of the Bayesian Brain hypothesis. Informed by recent developments in hierarchical statistical modelling, information theory and neuroscience, it offers a novel and exciting approach to studying cognition. Unlike traditional bottom-up approaches to neural information processing, action-oriented predictive coding proposes a top-down approach in which the brain is treated as a machine that generates hypotheses and predictions about its own input by tracking statistical regularities in the world. This view unites action and perception under one mechanism that aims to minimise overall prediction error. Philosophically speaking, it offers radical new approaches to classical problems, such as the nature of the relationship between mind and world, and the role of personal agency in decision making.

For this year's masterclass we are looking for participants whose philosophical research relates to action-oriented predictive coding, or who are otherwise eager to critically engage with the topic. Participants should ideally have a basic understanding of predictive coding (see suggested readings below), although we do not expect an expert level of knowledge on this somewhat technical topic.

Aside from philosophy of mind, psychology and cognitive science, action-oriented predictive coding is relevant to many other areas of philosophy. The mind/world relationship and the nature of illusion is arguably central to epistemology, and the methodology behind predictive coding research is of more general interest to philosophy of science. We are interested in exploring all aspects of the relationship between action-oriented predictive coding and philosophical research, and would welcome submissions highlight novel connections between the two.

The October 2013 BPPA Masterclass will take place at the University of Edinburgh on 26th-27thOctober, and will consist of a mixture of expert presentations, open discussion, and presentations of participant research. Applicants should provide the following:

  • Anonymous cover letter of up to 500 words, explaining your academic interests, and your motivation for applying to take part in this masterclass. Any research you've done related to Predictive Coding can also be inlcuding.

  • Optionally, an extended abstract (500 words) of a talk suitable for a 20 minute presentation. Applicants who submit abstracts will be considered for participation both with and without a presentation (i.e. we may reject your abstract but accept you for participation).

Applications will be accepted until the 4th October, and should be sent in .pdf format to [email protected]

Suggested readings:

  • Clark, A. 2013. “Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science”. Behavioural and Brain Sciences 36/3: 181-204.

  • Commentaries on above article, in same issue (Behavioural and Brain Sciences 36/3)

  • Hohwy, J. 2012. “Attention and Conscious Perception in the Hypothesis Testing Brain.” Frontiers in Psychology 3: 96.

  • Tenenbaum, J., Kemp, C., Griffiths, T. & Goodman, N. 2011. “How to Grow a Mind: Statistics, Structure, and Abstraction.” Science 331: 1279-85.

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October 4, 2013, 1:00pm BST

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