An Embodied Predictive Processing Theory of Pain Experience

Abstract This paper aims to provide a theoretical framework for explaining the subjective character of pain experience in terms what we will call ‘embodied predictive processing’. The processing (PP) theory is family views that take perception, action, emotion and cognition all work together service prediction error minimisation. In this propose an embodied perspective on PP (EPP) theory. EPP proposes explain processes distributed across whole body. minimising system generates comprises immune system, endocrine autonomic continuous causal interaction with pathways spread neural axis. We argue these systems function coordinated coherent manner as single complex adaptive maintain homeostasis. which refer neural-endocrine-immune (NEI) maintains homeostasis through process go view NEI ensemble multiscale nesting Markov blankets integrates smallest scale cell largest person pain. set out show how can make sense could be neurobiologically constituted. it constraint adequacy scientific explanation subjectivity makes intelligible simultaneously local sensing body, and, at same time, more global, all-encompassing attitude towards environment. Our aim follows meet constraint.