The idea that our brains are prediction machines is not new, but in his latest book, Surfing Uncertainty: Prediction, Action, and the Embodied Mind, Andy Clark explores how this idea can be integrated with embodied cognition. The key idea is that while our brains are constantly predicting sensory input, this is intimately tied to action. Perception is active, not passive, and there is an ongoing loop between perception, attention and action. I explore these ideas with Dr. Clark in the latest episode of the Brain Science Podcast. Thanks to Dr. Clark these potentially intimidating ideas are accessible to listeners of all backgrounds.

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References:

• Surfing Uncertainty: Prediction, Action, and the Embodied Mind by Andy Clark

• BSP 124: Michael Anderson talks about neural reuse

• See episode transcript for additional references.

Announcements:

• Next month’s episode will be an interview with Dr. Fabrizio Benedetti (BSP 122). We will get an update on the neurobiology of placebo effects

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