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Sep 12, 2016
ssc
30 min 3,848 words 215 comments podcast
The post explores how Bayesian processes in the brain might explain perception and various mental disorders, linking neurotransmitters to different aspects of Bayesian reasoning. Longer summary
This post explores the application of Bayes' Theorem to neuroscience and psychiatry. It discusses how the brain might use Bayesian processes for perception and cognition, and how disruptions in these processes could explain various mental disorders. The author first explains Bayes' Theorem and its relevance to perception, then delves into a neuroscientific model that links neurotransmitters to different aspects of Bayesian processing. The post then applies this model to explain phenomena in schizophrenia, psychedelic experiences, and autism. The author concludes by pointing out some limitations and inconsistencies in the model, while still appreciating its potential as a high-level framework for understanding brain function and mental disorders. Shorter summary