Moritz Kriegleder: Towards a Free Energy Model of Phenomenal Consciousness

Organized by the Department of Analytic Philosophy of the Institute of Philosophy, Czech Academy of ScienceOrganized by the Department of Analytic Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Czech Academy of Sciences

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Invitation pdf

Moritz Kriegleder (University of Vienna):
Towards a Free Energy Model of Phenomenal Consciousness

Abstract
The free energy principle aims to provide a unified theory of physics, biology, and cognition to explain human behavior and self-ordering of living systems in dynamic environments. In my presentation, I will outline the fundamental concepts behind the free energy principle and its recent application as a specific model for understanding consciousness, known as the inner screen hypothesis. While it is inspired by Helmholtz free energy from thermodynamics, it measures information in cognitive systems and is not reducible to Helmholtz free energy. I analyse the potential of the principle as a minimal model of consciousness and argue that it's explanatory power depends on a coherent interpretation of its philosophical foundations.