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Karl Friston
Theoretical neuroscientist: the free energy principle and active inference
Who they are, and what we talked about
Karl Friston is a theoretical neuroscientist best known for the free energy principle and active inference, which describe perception and action as ways in which living systems reduce their uncertainty about the world. His ideas are used in neuroscience, psychiatry and the study of artificial intelligence.
He has been on the programme four times: in 2023 on the brain as a statistical organ, and again on mortal computation and how death shapes life; in 2025 with Mark Solms on whether artificial consciousness can be engineered; and in 2026 in dialogue with Donald Hoffman on what is ultimately real.
Topics
Written by Mind-Body Solution from the episode show notes. Guests speak for themselves, and their views are their own. Read the full disclaimer.
Episodes with Dr Naidu
In date order, so you can follow how the conversation developed.
9 June 2023
Is The Brain A Statistical Organ? The Free Energy Principle & Active Inference
Length 2 hr 2 min
In this conversation: FEP Formalism & Being a Polymath; Computational Psychiatry & Psychopathology; Psychosis & Illusions (Priors vs Posteriors).
17 December 2023
How does Death Shape Life? Mortal Computation & the Field of Diverse Intelligence
Length 1 hr 56 min
In this conversation: The Meaning of Life; How Does Death Shape Life? Mortal Computation; Real World Examples of Mortal Computers (Micro to Cosmic).
2 September 2025
Is it Possible to Engineer Artificial Consciousness?
Length 1 hr 33 min
In this conversation: Defining Consciousness & Intelligence; Minimizing Free Energy + Maximizing Affective States; Knowing if Something is Conscious.
4 February 2026
What is Ultimately Real? Consciousness, Free Energy & Spacetime
Length 2 hr 40 min
In this conversation: What is Ultimately Real? Consciousness vs Physicalism Debate; Why Consciousness is Fundamental Beyond Spacetime; High Energy Physics: Spacetime is Doomed Explained(.