Sensory processing in humans and mice fluctuates between external and internal modes

PLoS Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 21(12), P. e3002410 - e3002410

Published: Dec. 8, 2023

Perception is known to cycle through periods of enhanced and reduced sensitivity external information. Here, we asked whether such slow fluctuations arise as a noise-related epiphenomenon limited processing capacity or, alternatively, represent structured mechanism perceptual inference. Using 2 large-scale datasets, found that humans mice alternate between externally internally oriented modes sensory analysis. During mode, perception aligns more closely with the information, whereas internal mode characterized by biases toward history. Computational modeling indicated dynamic changes in are enabled interlinked factors: (i) integration subsequent inputs over time (ii) antiphase oscillations impact information versus predictions provided We propose between-mode generate unambiguous error signals enable optimal inference volatile environments.

Language: Английский

---

Fundamental constraints on distinguishing reality from imagination

Published: July 1, 2021

Humans are voracious imaginers, with internal simulations supporting memory, planning and decision-making. Because the neural mechanisms imagination overlap those perception, a foundational question is how reality kept apart. Traditional psychology experiments struggle to investigate this issue as subjects can rapidly learn that real stimuli in play. Here we capitalised on ability conduct large-scale, one-trial-per-participant psychophysics via online platforms combined computational modelling neuroimaging perceptual monitoring failures general population. We find striking evidence for subjective intermixing of – both behaviourally neurally. Our data best explained by model evaluates total strength intermixed imagined perceived signals against “reality threshold” determine whether it reflects reality. These findings suggest not separate, nor intention imagine used identity discount self-generated signals. Instead, judgment based intensity intermixture between A consequence account predicts when virtual or strong enough, they become indistinguishable from

Language: Английский

---

Uncovering the Role of the Early Visual Cortex in Visual Mental Imagery

Published: Feb. 29, 2024

The question of whether the early visual cortex (EVC) is involved in mental imagery remains a topic debate. In this paper, I propose that inconsistency findings can be explained by unique challenges associated with investigating EVC activity during imagery. During perception, processes low-level features which means highly sensitive to variation details. If has same role imagery, any change details image would lead corresponding changes activity. Within context, should not ‘active’ but how its relates specific properties. Studies using methods are reveal recruit similar ways as perception. However, all images contain high level Therefore, end considering more nuanced view states EVC, does mean it always so.

Language: Английский

---

Our Knowledge-Gathering Methods as the Source of Errors

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Assessing possibilities raised to challenge our knowledge based on how those (if realized) would affect the methods we use acquire grounds such assessment in claimants’ real situations. This turn opens door taking into account wide range of capabilities humans exhibit. We have varying skills sensing, reasoning, assessing fellow human beings, and metacognizing. These ranges influence develop knowledge, different each bring their own “halo” sources error. It is haloes error that provide us with basis for whether a possibility by challenger epistemic or not. And degrees skill at metacognizing shape just us, as claimant, might assess possibilities.

Language: Английский

---

G. E. Moore and the Relativized Burden of Proof

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract A current philosophical debate about epistemology is Who has the burden of proof, a knowledge-claimant or knowledge challenger? knowledge-challenger seeks to convince that they do not have claim have. Starting-point asserts since goal claimant change their mind, challenger proof. G. E. Moore’s famous proof existence an external world and other responses scepticism are best understood as relying upon this relativized Contrary common opinion, Moore was playing “ordinary man” in these arguments. He making sound arguments, recognizable such when on

Language: Английский

---

Justification and Our Knowledge-Gathering Methods

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Justifications are directly related to the methods we use for gathering and correcting our knowledge. But relationship is complex nuanced, not amenable a simple global characterization. In limited but still common set of cases metaknowledge can influence ground-floor knowledge via what called ORDINARY BRIDGE between in many situations do not, indeed commonly cannot have access to, (all) by which come know something. This lack access, though, more benign that it may seem. addition, since justifications should raise likelihood being justified fact knowledge, some claims (there an external world, e.g.) be justified, even though they correct—that is, claimed known known.

Language: Английский

---

Real Possibilities of Really Bad Mental States

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Applying relativized burdens of proof, the denial that logical possibility is suitable for challenging knowledge, and inappropriateness going to extremes, various modernized forms Cartesian sceptical challenges are resolved. These depend upon small missteps misapprehensions rather than a major fallacy. Real possibilities an agent’s epistemic position falls short knowledge in particular case need be framed against background beliefs. When apply such apparatus as computer controlling subject’s brain, if we take into account real details how situation could arise, plausibility fades away. Mental states undermine actual do, course occur, and, unfortunately some very bad ones can lot what agent knows. But do not mean all or even much most summarily challenged.

Language: Английский

---

“Knowing” and Knowing

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Epistemology must be well informed by, but not subsumed within linguistics. Many sciences studying various animals and their behavior, including humans, make extensive use of “knows” related terms. The wide range agents studied in these require a notion free the constraints that idealizing epistemologies impose, like strong closure, KK principle (to truly know, agent know she knows), others cannot reasonably applied to knowing agents. A minimal concept provides structure needed for uses without losing core significance word.

Language: Английский

---

Dreams, Demons, and the Like

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Narrowly focusing on what is expressed to justify one’s knowledge can lead the apparent success of a sceptical challenge. Describing bird watcher’s identification yellow as goldfinch based only bird’s plumage omits significant background knowledge. Thus, watcher may summarize her basis for particular its color. The an agent always pertinent whether challenge claim be successful or not. With this insight in place, rest chapter considers two versions “dreaming” argument attributed Descartes that fail appreciate and thus challenges. Generalizations dream-argument strategy other mental states also undermine knowledge, though they result paradoxes unwary find debilitating. Starting-point epistemology, though, properly applied, dispels these unfortunate conclusions well.

Language: Английский

---

Logical Possibility

Published: March 5, 2025

Abstract Logical possibility became one of the most common bases for philosophical challenges to knowledge toward end twentieth century and into twenty-first. But logical fails as an appropriate basis challenging because it includes too much some ways excludes in others. Instead, real epistemic possibility—that is, possibilities that (sophisticated) knowers recognize potentially relevant actual question hand—should be assessing claims. The attractiveness falls away once we consider both its over- underreaching well difficulty actually demonstrating consistency imagined scenario.

Language: Английский

---