The Experience Machine: Mental Prediction and Perceived Reality — Dr. Andy Clark

My previous encounters with reality contribute to my internal mental predictions about the world that, in turn, help to shape my actual future experiences. So, seeing the "real world" (or hearing sounds, or feeling pain, or ...) involves a personal, ideosyncratic filter/kaleidoscope. This prediction-based theory of mind is quite hopeful. More than a facile version of "positive thinking," it suggests a realistic optimism where well-tuned expectations can actively help to bring about desired states and experiences. The speaker, Dr. Andy Clark, is Professor of Cognitive Philosophy at England's University of Sussex. He will present ideas from — and answer questions about — his new book, "The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality." This Zoom event took place on May 6, 2023, in collaboration with San Francisco's "BookShop West Portal." The Zoom host was Wonderfest's Tucker Hiatt, and the video was edited by Wonderfest's Neeti Sonth. Please visit wonderfest.org for more information about the San Francisco Bay Area "Beacon of Science," Wonderfest, and please purchase "The Experience Machine" at BookShop West Portal, bookshopwestportal.com/shop.