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Introduction

The concept of free energy is a fundamental principle in neuroscience that describes how the brain processes information and makes decisions. It is a key concept in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. In this explanation, we will delve into the principles of free energy and its application in neuroscience.

What is Free Energy?

Free energy, also known as the negative free energy or the Helmholtz free energy, is a measure of the energy available to perform work in a system. In the context of neuroscience, free energy is used to describe the energy remaining in the brain after processing sensory information. It is the amount of energy that can be used to make decisions, learn, and adapt to new information.

The Free Energy Principle

The free energy principle, also known as the active inference theory, was first proposed by Karl Friston and colleagues in 2010. It suggests that the brain is an active inference machine that constantly updates its internal model of the world based on sensory information. The brain generates a prediction about the sensory input and then compares it with the actual sensory input. The difference between the prediction and the actual input is the error or the free energy.

How Does Free Energy Work?

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how free energy works in the brain:

  1. Perception: The brain receives sensory input from the environment, such as light, sound, or touch.
  2. Prediction: The brain generates a prediction about the sensory input based on its internal model of the world.
  3. Error: The brain compares the prediction with the actual sensory input and calculates the error or the free energy.
  4. Update: The brain updates its internal model based on the error, refining its prediction for the next sensory input.

Key Components of the Free Energy Principle

The free energy principle consists of three key components:

  1. Aperture: The aperture is the process of generating a prediction about the sensory input.
  2. Surprise: Surprise is the difference between the prediction and the actual sensory input, which is the free energy.
  3. Inference: Inference is the process of updating the internal model based on the surprise or free energy.

Implications of Free Energy in Neuroscience