Mind-Body Solution Karl Friston: How does Death Shape Life? Mortal Computation & the Field of Diverse Intelligence
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Dec 17, 2023 
Neuroscientist Karl Friston discusses the meaning of life and how death shapes our perception. He explores mortal computation and provides real-world examples. The podcast also covers topics such as adaptive resonance theory, synaptopathy, Bayesian brains, mental health, and diverse intelligence field. Friston also mentions influential figures like Andy Clark, Mark Solms, Gerald Edelman, and Anil Seth.
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Finding Grossberg's PhD Notes During Edelman Move
- Friston recounts finding Stephen Grossberg's original PhD notes while packing up Gerald Edelman's lab for a move to California.
- The discovery illustrates the intellectual lineage linking Grossberg, Edelman, and early computational neuroscience.
Adaptive Resonance Fits Under Free Energy
- Friston frames Grossberg's adaptive resonance theory as compatible with free energy: both combine conservative solenoidal dynamics (resonance) with dissipative adaptation.
- He claims predictive/Bayesian formulations can naturalize Grossberg's ideas under a unifying physics.
Probability Is Essential For Complex Systems
- Friston argues probability and stochastic descriptions are essential for modeling complex dynamical systems and chaos.
- He rejects purely deterministic descriptions, noting real systems require density dynamics and probability (e.g., pandemic, climate forecasting).