The Kantian influence on predictive processing theories
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/stheg.12.2026.22518Keywords:
Kant, Predictive processing theories, Cognitive science, Philosophy of neurosciencesAbstract
The paper’s aim is to briefly present the discussion on the Kantian roots of predictive processing theory (proposed among others by Karl J. Friston and Andy Clark), in order to examine to what extent there are elements of Kant’s philosophy in it. After evaluating the positions of the main authors involved in the controversy, I conclude that some apparently Kantian ideas can indeed be found in predictive processing theories and have thus served as support for the advocates of the ‘Kantian connection’. But if we take into account the meaning and general character of Kant’s philosophy, taken as a whole, as well as other central aspects of it, which do not appear in any way in the predictive processing theories, we can also see that the differences between these theories and the thought of the Königsberg’s philosopher are in fact too great to establish an strong philosophical connection.
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