#322 — Predicting Reality | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” Sam Harris discusses the predictive brain and embodied cognition with Andy Clark, a professor of cognitive philosophy at the University of Sussex. They explore how the brain predicts reality, the role of attention in perception, and the impact of psychedelics on consciousness.

Main Takeaways

Trump’s Impact on Society

• Trump’s mishandling of classified documents compromised the integrity of the presidency.
• The Republican Party’s personality cult immunized Trump from political consequences.
• Trump’s behavior contrasts with that of Clinton, Biden, and Pence.
• Trump’s presidency has diverted attention from important issues and hindered cultural progress.

Failure of Mainstream and Independent Media

• Mainstream media and independent media have failed to address the cultural challenges caused by Trump.
• Podcasts and newsletters have become platforms for conspiracy theories.
• The new contrarianism is driven by viral memes on social media.

The Predictive Brain and Embodied Cognition

• The brain predicts reality and reduces prediction error.
• Perception is based on the brain’s predictions and sensory information.
• Attention plays a crucial role in adjusting the balance between sensory input and predictions.
• Prediction errors help the brain improve its predictions.

The Impact of Psychedelics

• Psychedelics affect different levels of the brain’s prediction machinery.
• Low doses cause visual disturbances, while high doses lead to ego dissolution and oneness with the universe.
• Psychedelics disrupt entrenched predictions, allowing for new patterns and shapes to form.

Controlling Thoughts and Emotions

• Hypnosis and meditation offer tools for gaining control over thoughts and emotions.
• Long walks induce mindfulness and can help break the spell of anxiety.
• Mindfulness practices enable individuals to focus on the present moment and gain more control over their thoughts and emotions.

Summary

Trump’s Impact and Media Failures

Trump’s presidency has had significant consequences for society, with his mishandling of classified documents compromising the integrity of the presidency. However, the Republican Party’s personality cult has immunized him from political consequences. This has diverted attention from important issues and hindered cultural progress. Both mainstream and independent media have failed to address this cultural challenge, with podcasts and newsletters becoming platforms for conspiracy theories driven by viral memes on social media.

The Predictive Brain and Embodied Cognition

Andy Clark, a professor of cognitive philosophy, discusses the predictive brain and embodied cognition. The brain predicts reality and reduces prediction error, constructing our experiences based on sensory information and predictions. Attention plays a crucial role in adjusting the balance between sensory input and predictions, with prediction errors helping the brain improve its predictions. This understanding of the brain’s predictive processes provides insights into perception and cognition.

The Impact of Psychedelics and Controlling Thoughts

Psychedelics have varying effects on consciousness, depending on the dose and the brain’s prediction machinery. They disrupt entrenched predictions, allowing for new patterns and shapes to form. Additionally, hypnosis and meditation offer tools for gaining control over thoughts and emotions. Long walks induce mindfulness, which can help break the spell of anxiety. Mindfulness practices enable individuals to focus on the present moment and gain more control over their thoughts and emotions, improving overall well-being.

Conclusion

This episode highlights the impact of Trump’s presidency on society and the failures of mainstream and independent media. It also delves into the fascinating world of the predictive brain and embodied cognition, shedding light on how perception and cognition are shaped by predictions. The discussion on psychedelics and controlling thoughts offers valuable insights into consciousness and well-being. Overall, this episode provides thought-provoking perspectives on important topics.