It is a felt sense of unease, discomfort, or urgency – what we commonly call emotions. In this view, emotions are the brain’s way of signaling prediction errors that have survival consequences.
Feelings like fear, hunger, or loneliness are not just abstract concepts; they are the brain’s way of telling us that something crucial for survival is amiss. These feelings prompt us to take action, to change our model of the world, or to change the world itself in order to restore balance and reduce uncertainty.
So, the next time you feel a pang of anxiety or a surge of excitement, remember that these feelings are not just random occurrences. They are the brain’s way of alerting you to prediction errors that have real-world implications for your survival.
In conclusion, the Free Energy Principle offers a fascinating perspective on how the brain functions as a predictive machine, constantly working to minimize surprises and ensure our survival. By understanding the role of prediction errors in shaping our perceptions, actions, and emotions, we can gain insight into the intricate workings of the mind and the profound impact they have on our everyday experiences.
Feeling urgency, fear, or desire is a common experience that many of us encounter in our daily lives. On the flip side, experiencing relief or pleasure often accompanies a decrease in survival-related uncertainty, such as quenching thirst or finding safety.
Neuropsychologist Mark Solms describes consciousness in its simplest form as “felt uncertainty,” which is the sensation of uncertainty surrounding survival-related states. While cognitive prediction can happen without us even realizing it, uncertainty tied to our basic bodily needs can evoke strong emotions.
Essentially, regulating uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of our minds. The Free Energy Principle suggests that the mind is constantly working to manage uncertainty in order to ensure our survival. Perception helps shape our expectations, while action tests them out, and learning solidifies what works best for us in different situations.
Our evolutionary history plays a significant role in determining what we consider to be a preferred state. Innate expectations are influenced by what our species has needed to survive and thrive over time. It’s possible that consciousness serves as a record of an organism’s uncertainty about its own survival.
When uncertainty threatens our security, attachment, or physical well-being, it’s more than just a mental calculation – it’s something we feel deeply. Predicting outcomes, ensuring survival, and maintaining consciousness may all be interconnected aspects of a biological process that helps organisms navigate an unpredictable world.
In essence, regulating uncertainty to ensure survival is a fundamental part of the human experience. It’s not just about making predictions or staying alive – it’s about how we navigate the uncertainties of life to thrive in an ever-changing world.