Enough blanket metaphysics, time for data-driven heuristics

Behav Brain Sci. 2022 Sep 29:45:e206. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X22000280.

Abstract

Bruineberg and colleagues criticisms' have been received but downplayed in the free energy principle (FEP) literature. We strengthen their points, arguing that Friston blanket discovery, even if tractable, requires a full formal description of the system of interest at the outset. Hence, blanket metaphysics is futile, and we postulate that researchers should turn back to heuristic uses of Pearl blankets.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Bedding and Linens
  • Heuristics*
  • Humans
  • Metaphysics*