Abstract: Predictive coding (PC) is an up and coming theoretical framework according to which the brain is essentially a sophisticated hypothesis testing machine and cognition operates on the basis of prediction and error minimization. In this talk I will introduce the basic principles behind the PC framework and what work it is supposed to do; I will discuss its scope and limitations and argue that the view leaves lots of (philosophical) questions unanswered. Against this background I will evaluate the suggestion that predictive coding gives us a new theory of cognition and how it compares and contrasts with contemporary as well as historical views.

All are welcome!