Will (volition) denotes unpredictable, endogenous behavior. It is an intricate function of thoughts, goals, and emotions that triggers an action. But thoughts can be inaccurate, goals short-sighted, and emotions maladaptive. Hence the concept of the True Will, which consists of three essential aspects: thinking rationally about oneself and the world around,viewing goals from a long-term perspective, andhaving adaptive emotions. Epistemic rationality ensures that we are on a path to … [Read more...]
The Bayesian Brain: Placebo Effects Explained
In my article on predictive processing, I presented the Bayesian brain theory, which promises to explain everything about the brain and cognition. If true, the theory should be able to unravel some of the mysteries of the human mind. How is it possible, for instance, that a sham surgery and an actual arthroscopy for knee arthritis produce indistinguishable healing effects (Moseley et al. 2002)? And how could a surgeon in World War II operate on wounded soldiers with saltwater after he had run … [Read more...]
The Bayesian Brain: An Introduction to Predictive Processing
The greatest theory of all time? The more I learn about the Bayesian brain, the more it seems to me that the theory of predictive processing is about as important for neuroscience as the theory of evolution is for biology, and that Bayes' law is about as important for cognitive science as the Schrödinger equation is for physics. That is quite an ambitious statement: if our brains really are Bayesian, which is to say that predictive processing is the fundamental principle of cognition, it … [Read more...]
Is Willpower a Cognitive Strength?
Willpower is the ability to pursue long-term goals in spite of inner obstacles created by needs, desires (cravings), thoughts (excuses), and automatisms (bad habits). We know from ample empirical data that willpower is key for financial, social, and personal success. But where does this ability to control ourselves come from? Executive Functions Adult humans have a highly developed prefrontal cortex, which makes us exceptionally good at executive functioning. Executive functions are cognitive … [Read more...]
How the Brain Makes Emotions
Here's the latest state of the art in the cognitive science of emotion, summarized in three words: Emotions are predictions More precisely, emotions are predictions generated by the brain using an internal model informed by sensory data and past experiences. What does this mean? Let's analyze that definition word by word, starting from the end: Past experiences. All your emotions are shaped by your memories of the past, categorized by distinct emotion concepts. Some of your experiences … [Read more...]
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