I.M. Bookclub. The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality.

"What you see and hear depends a great deal on where you are standing and what sort of person you are" -C.S. Lewis

A common understanding of how the mind works is that our brains receive information from the world, allowing us to perceive reality. Perception working "from the outside in" as light, sound, touch, and chemical odors activate receptors in the eyes, ears, nose, and skin, progressively being refined into a richer picture of the world.

British Philosopher and Cognitive scientist Andy Clark argues this may not be the case. Clark invites us to challenge the conventional paradigm of perception and paint a more complete understanding of the mind, considering the brain not as a passive receiver, but an ever-active predictor. We don't passively take in the world around us; instead, our minds are constantly making and refining predictions about what we expect to see. This applies to our bodies, as the way we experience pain, temperature, etc, is shaped by our expectations, having implications for the understanding and treatment of conditions like PTSD, schizophrenia, and even medically unexplained symptoms.

❇️Please, read the book and join us for an active exchange of ideas about it. Remember, this is not a debate; we are here to listen and be listened to, not to convince anyone of anything. We gather to speak our thoughts after reading the book and enjoy the company of others while being mindful and respectful. You do not need to understand the full content of the book to join; we are all here to learn and have fun while doing it.❇️
ー➡️To cover the cost of the venue, we will ask for 100 (a hundred) yen to join ⬅️ー

This time, we will discuss: "The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality" by Andy Clark.

------Details of the event-----
- 1:00 PM
The venue opens. Please come directly to the Tsunohazu Chiiki Center. (角筈地域センター) in the Japanese Style Room I（和室１), 7th Floor (7階).
-1:15 PM
Depending on the number of people, we will split into small groups to start the discussion. A list with the subtitles of the book and possible questions will be provided, but feel free to start the conversation as you like.
-2:00 PM
We will share our thoughts with other groups
-2:45 PM
Let's discuss altogether the conclusions that we got from each other (or maybe there will be more questions than answers!)
The limit of the number of persons is stipulated by the capacity of the room, so we can better manage the discussion, and everyone can participate and have a voice. If you are unable to attend, please change your RSVP so others can join instead.

Let's talk about: The experience of the mind!

NOTE: If you are interested in attending this book club but are unable to afford it due to a particular financial situation, please send a direct message to the organizer. We will figure things out :)

The Picture of the event is a painting by Wenzel Hablik, Cycle's Utopian Architectures, Airplane Towers, Silos, Artist Apartments, 1921,