Explanatory power by vagueness

Author(s)
Franz R. Schmid, Moritz Kriegleder
Abstract

Predictive processing models are often ascribed a certain generality in conceptually unifying the relationships between perception, action, and cognition or the potential to posit a ‘grand unified theory’ of the mind. The limitations of this unification can be seen when these models are applied to specific cognitive phenomena or phenomenal consciousness. Our article discusses these shortcomings for predictive processing models of hallucinations by the example of the Charles-Bonnet-Syndrome. This case study shows that the current predictive processing account omits essential characteristics of stimulus-independent perception in general, which has critical phenomenological implications. We argue that the most popular predictive processing model of hallucinatory conditions – the strong prior hypothesis – fails to fully account for the characteristics of nonveridical perceptual experiences associated with Charles-Bonnet-Syndrome. To fill this explanatory gap, we propose that the strong prior hypothesis needs to include reality monitoring to apply to more than just veridical percepts.

Organisation(s)
Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, Department of Philosophy
Journal
Consciousness and Cognition
Volume
117
ISSN
1053-8100
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2023.103620
Publication date
01-2024
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
501030 Cognitive science, 301401 Brain research, 603114 Philosophy of mind
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, Developmental and Educational Psychology
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/explanatory-power-by-vagueness(6dc2ca72-7136-49d2-ac6c-42bc7e348fa3).html