Markov blankets and the preformationist assumption. (29th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dengsø, Mads; Robertson, Ian; Constant, Axel
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 45(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-29
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X22000358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Bruineberg and colleagues argue that a realist interpretation of Markov blankets inadvertently relies upon unfounded assumptions. However, insofar as their diagnosis is accurate, their prescribed instrumentalism may ultimately prove insufficient as a complete remedy. Drawing upon a process-based perspective on living systems, we suggest a potential way to avoid some of the assumptions behind problems described by Bruineberg and colleagues.