Species of realization and the free energy principle

Authors

Michael D. Kirchhoff, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

97012

Publication Details

Kirchhoff, M. D. (2015). Species of realization and the free energy principle. Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 93 (4), 706-723.

Abstract

This paper examines, for the first time, the relationship between realization relations and the free energy principle in cognitive neuroscience. I argue, firstly, that the free energy principle has ramifications for the wide versus narrow realization distinction: if the free energy principle is correct, then organismic realizers are insufficient for realizing free energy minimization. I argue, secondly, that the free energy principle has implications for synchronic realization relations, because free energy minimization is realized in dynamical agent-environment couplings embedded at multiple time scales.