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Predictive Processing and the Representation Wars.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Abstract

Clark has recently suggested that predictive processing advances a theory of neural function with the resources to put an ecumenical end to the "representation wars" of recent cognitive science. In this paper I defend and develop this suggestion. First, I broaden the representation wars to include three foundational challenges to representational cognitive science. Second, I articulate three features of predictive processing's account of internal representation that distinguish it from more orthodox representationalist frameworks. Specifically, I argue that it posits a resemblance-based representational architecture with organism-relative contents that functions in the service of pragmatic success, not veridical representation. Finally, I argue that internal representation so understood is either impervious to the three anti-representationalist challenges I outline or can actively embrace them.

Description

Keywords

Clark, Intentionality, Mental representation, Organism-relativity, Predictive processing, Representation wars, Structural resemblance, The free-energy principle, The job description challenge

Journal Title

Minds Mach (Dordr)

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0924-6495
1572-8641

Volume Title

28

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC