Abstract Concepts and Interoception - A Bayesian Probabilistic Model

Explore a philosophical lecture examining how abstract concepts emerge from allostatic processes that regulate physiological systems, with affect playing a crucial role. Delve into the Bayesian probabilistic model of cognition that views the brain as a prediction machine modeling the body's anticipated needs to minimize systemic free energy. Learn how internal models represent likely causes of affective state changes as meaningful concepts, using examples of emotion concepts like 'happiness' or 'sadness' as predictions constructed from cognitive appraisals of expected internal states. Examine Barrett's Theory of Constructed Emotion to understand how conceptualization requires allostasis - a biological form of causal inference - where internal perception and representation of affect is known as interoception. Consider this embodied view of conceptualization that challenges conventional cognitive science perspectives of concepts as purely linguistic symbols. Delivered by Jo Haire, an MA Philosophy researcher at Birkbeck College studying embodied concept formation in children's learning, and a Specialist Philosophy Teacher with The Philosophy Foundation.