On Bayesian mechanics: a physics of and by beliefs

Interface Focus, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(3)

Published: April 14, 2023

The aim of this paper is to introduce a field study that has emerged over the last decade, called Bayesian mechanics. mechanics probabilistic mechanics, comprising tools enable us model systems endowed with particular partition (i.e. into particles), where internal states (or trajectories states) system encode parameters beliefs about external their trajectories). These allow write down mechanical theories for look as if they are estimating posterior probability distributions causes sensory states. This provides formal language modelling constraints, forces, potentials and other quantities determining dynamics such systems, especially entail on space statistical manifold). Here, we will review state art in literature free energy principle, distinguishing between three ways which been applied path-tracking, mode-tracking mode-matching). We go examine duality principle constrained maximum entropy both lie at heart discuss its implications.

Language: Английский

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The Emperor's New Markov Blankets

Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 45

Published: Oct. 22, 2021

The free energy principle, an influential framework in computational neuroscience and theoretical neurobiology, starts from the assumption that living systems ensure adaptive exchanges with their environment by minimizing objective function of variational energy. Following this premise, it claims to deliver a promising integration life sciences. In recent work, Markov blankets, one central constructs have been applied resolve debates philosophy (such as demarcating boundaries mind). aim paper is twofold. First, we trace development blankets starting standard application Bayesian networks, via inference, use literature on active inference. We then identify persistent confusion between formal epistemic tool for novel metaphysical demarcate physical boundary agent its environment. Consequently, propose distinguish "Pearl blankets" refer original "Friston new construct. Second, distinction critically assess resting philosophical problems. suggest would do well differentiating two different research programmes: "inference model" within model." Only latter capable doing work but requires additional premises cannot be justified appeal success mathematical alone.

Language: Английский

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On the Importance of Being Flexible: Dynamic Brain Networks and Their Potential Functional Significances

Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: Jan. 21, 2022

In this theoretical review, we begin by discussing brains and minds from a dynamical systems perspective, then go on to describe methods for characterizing the flexibility of dynamic networks. We discuss how varying degrees kinds may be adaptive (or maladaptive) in different contexts, specifically focusing measures related either more disjoint or cohesive dynamics. While disjointed useful assessing neural entropy, potentially serve as proxy self-organized criticality fundamental property enabling behavior complex systems. Particular attention is given recent studies which have been used investigate neurological cognitive maturation, well breakdown conscious processing under levels anesthesia. further these findings might contextualized within Free Energy Principle with respect fundamentals brain organization biological functioning generally, potential methodological advances paradigm. Finally, relevance computational psychiatry, propose research program obtaining better understanding ways that networks relate forms psychological flexibility, single most important factor ensuring human flourishing.

Language: Английский

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The constrained disorder principle defines living organisms and provides a method for correcting disturbed biological systems

Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 20, P. 6087 - 6096

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

The constrained disorder principle defines the existence and function of living organisms. specifies that biological systems comprise a within random boundaries. Per this principle, organisms are machines with degree error do not strive to optimize. Their differentiator from non-living is their intrinsic personalized dynamic mandatory for systems' proper operation. It provides flexibility adaptability required operating under continuously changing internal external milieus. health disease states by specifying arbitrary boundaries systems. Disturbed lose or operate out leading diseases. platform applying correct disturbances improve outcomes.

Language: Английский

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Multifractal nonlinearity as a robust estimator of multiplicative cascade dynamics

Physical review. E, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 111(3)

Published: March 24, 2025

Natural and behavioral sciences increasingly model measurement time series as random multiplicative cascades-nonlinear processes that divide, branch, or aggregate structures across generations, creating interactions break ergodicity. Multifractal formalisms provide a framework for studying cascades, where multifractal spectrum width, Δα, fluctuates with the number of estimable power-law relationships. However, multifractality without surrogate comparison can be ambiguous, original series' Δα_{original}, is sensitive to length, ergodicity-breaking linear correlations (e.g., fractional Gaussian noise, fGn), additive dynamics. To address these challenges, we constructed cascades varying in noise type (additive white awGn, mixtures awGn fGn generations (progressively more progressively fGn, mixing generations), operations (addition versus multiplication). We found "multifractal nonlinearity," t_{MF} (a t-statistic comparing Δα_{original} spectra Δα_{surrogates}), reliably identifies regardless length type-t_{MF} interactivity than length. Unlike exhibit stronger ergodicity breaking due their heavy histogram tails show greater correlated opposed awGn) additional generations-independent Consequently, robustly cascade processes, quantifies depth cross-scale interactivity, pinpoints sources while remaining independent These properties highlight potential powerful metric advancing our understanding mechanisms origins cascading natural sciences. The simulations further suggest its utility extending findings from group-level analyses level individuals.

Language: Английский

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Sun Tzu Praxis and Its Discontents

Studies in applied philosophy, epistemology and rational ethics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 109 - 125

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Complexification of eukaryote phenotype: Adaptive immuno-cognitive systems as unique Gödelian blockchain distributed ledger

Biosystems, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 220, P. 104718 - 104718

Published: July 5, 2022

The digitization of inheritable information in the genome has been called 'algorithmic take-over biology'. McClintock discovery that viral software based transposable elements conduct cut-paste (transposon) and copy-paste (retrotransposon) operations are needed for genomic evolvability underscores truism only can change also hacking by internal external bio-malware is Achilles heel digital systems. There was a paradigm shift processing with Adaptive Immune System (AIS) 500 mya followed Mirror Neuron (MNS), latterly mostly primate brains, which reaches its apogee human social cognition. AIS MNS involve distinctive Gödelian features self-reference (Self-Ref) offline virtual self-representation (Self-Rep) complex self-other interaction prodigious open-ended capacity anticipative malware detection novelty production within unique blockchain distributed ledger (BCDL). role self-referential processing, often considered to be central sentient self origins immune system 'Thymic self', shown part Gödel logic behind generator-selector framework at molecular level, exerts stringent selection criteria maintain BCDL. latter manifests decentralized record keeping where no or compromise immutability life's building blocks novel added not consistent extant blocks. This demonstrated regard somatic hypermutation anti-body face non-self antigen attacks.

Language: Английский

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Free energy: a user’s guide

Biology & Philosophy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(4)

Published: July 20, 2022

Abstract Over the last fifteen years, an ambitious explanatory framework has been proposed to unify explanations across biology and cognitive science. Active inference, whose most famous tenet is free energy principle, inspired excitement confusion in equal measure. Here, we lay ground for proper critical analysis of active three ways. First, give simplified versions its core mathematical models. Second, outline historical development inference relationship other theoretical approaches. Third, describe different kinds claim—labelled mathematical, empirical general—routinely made by proponents framework, suggest dialectical links between them. Overall, aim increase philosophical understanding so that it may be more readily evaluated. This paper Introduction Topical Collection “The Free Energy Principle: From Biology Cognition”.

Language: Английский

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The Literalist Fallacy and the Free Energy Principle: Model-Building, Scientific Realism, and Instrumentalism

The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 13, 2022

Language: Английский

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Temporal organization of stride-to-stride variations contradicts predictive models for sensorimotor control of footfalls during walking

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 18(8), P. e0290324 - e0290324

Published: Aug. 24, 2023

Walking exhibits stride-to-stride variations. Given ongoing perturbations, these variations critically support continuous adaptations between the goal-directed organism and its surroundings. Here, we report that during self-paced overground walking show cascade-like intermittency—stride intervals become uneven because stride of different sizes interact do not simply balance each other. Moreover, even when synchronizing footfalls with visual cues variable timing presentation, asynchrony in timings cue footfall shows intermittency. This evidence conflicts theories about sensorimotor control walking, according to which internal predictive models correct from one next on crossing thresholds leading risk falling. Hence, must account for beyond constraints threshold-dependent models.

Language: Английский

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