Minimization of prediction error during cerebral embryogenesis, and the emergence of agency

Abstract

We describe a theory of self-organization in the central nervous system, proposing that additive and dissipative synaptodendritic summation leads to synchronous oscillation as the equilibrium state, underpinning a primary form of prediction error minimization. As a consequence synaptic connections become arranged in mirror-symmetric paired patterns in which exchanges of synaptic flux within each pattern form coupled spatial eigenmodes. The line of mirror reflection between each of the pair then operates as a Markov blanket over which excitatory/inhibitory equilibrium is maintained. Multiway exchanges between mirror-pairs would converge toward overall error minimization and mutual organization. Primary organization of this type is apparent in the spinal cord, and during cortical embryogenesis connections form in topographies interpretable as mirror reflections with broken symmetry, forming along the radial and circumferential lines of cortical growth described in the Structural Model, and subsequently at millimetric scale throughout cortex. The proposed organization explains a diverse variety of experimental data, and helps to explain how generative models with agency could evolve at species level and in individual learning.

Keywords

agency, Free Energy Principle, predictive error minimization, cortical embryogenesis, Structural model, Synchronous oscillation