Seminar: How do we make sense of the world? Perspectives from Predictive Processing and Enactivism theories

We are delighted to invite you to a seminar hosted by our reading group on the topic: “How do we make sense of the world? Perspectives from Predictive Processing and Enactivism theories”. 

📅 When: February 17th, 14:00–16:00 (with an optional continuation of the discussion at a nearby café).

📍 Where: Hybrid (Onsite + Online). Aalto University, Otaniemi and via Zoom. 

Registration is required for onsite participation as seats are limited. Please follow this link to register. 

Predictive Processing (PP) and Enactivism are two influential frameworks used to explain human behavior. While they often appear complementary, renowned scholar Shaun Gallagher argues in his paper “Surprise! Why enactivism and predictive processing are parting ways: The case of improvisation” that there are fundamental tensions between the two—particularly when it comes to improvisation and surprise.

This debate is especially significant when we think how we perceive and learn. PP suggests that perception is primarily about minimizing surprise by constantly refining internal models of the world. Enactivism, on the other hand, argues that cognition emerges through embodied interaction, and emphasizes the role of uncertainty, adaptation, and exploration. 

To delve into these ideas, docent Merja Polvinen and postdoctoral researcher Pii Telakivi from the University of Helsinki will present the paper’s key arguments. Then we will have an open discussion exploring the overlaps, gaps, and challenges between these theoretical approaches.

If you’re curious about cognition, perception, and the philosophy of mind—particularly in relation to improvisation, creativity, and learning—join us for an informal discussion (and coffee afterward!).

More on Enactivism theory here. 

More on the Predictive Processing theory here. 

If you wish to ask a more in-depth question or share your thoughts at length during the seminar, you can reserve a 5-minute slot through the registration form.

We look forward to having you join the discussion!

Seminar organizers,

Aleksandra Sushchenko and Riitta Hari

What is this event part of? It all started with an idea when with the colleagues at Aalto University we began reading together to bridge our visions from neuroscience and philosophy. At that time, we could not anticipate how transformative this journey would become. What started as an exchange between a few people quickly grew into a vibrant group of scholars from fields as diverse as design, art history, education, curation, philosophy, neuroscience, sociology, engineering and architecture. For the past three years, we’ve regularly met twice a month to discuss a wide range of topics, all dealing with exploring the way the world is represented through the lens of art and science. If you’re interested in joining our group, please feel free to contact me for more details (oleksandra.sushchenko@aalto.fi). The meetings are of hybrid nature, so you don't need to be in Espoo or even Finland.