A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
More than roots: revisiting Kantian elements in predictive processing
Authors: Laiho Hemmo; Arstila Valtteri
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Synthese
Article number: 155
Volume: 207
ISSN: 0039-7857
eISSN: 1573-0964
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-026-05522-z
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-026-05522-z
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/516115908
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
This paper explores recent suggestions of conceptual affinity between the Predictive Processing (PP) framework and Immanuel Kant’s philosophy. We argue that Kant’s layered cognitive architecture mirrors PP’s hierarchy, particularly in its top-down processing and active construction of experience. Furthermore, both frameworks endorse a version of internalism that emphasizes the mind’s representational mediation of reality rather than direct access to external objects. However, key differences remain, notably Kant’s emphasis on a priori constraints and conscious judgment, contrasted with PP’s probabilistic and subpersonal predictive mechanisms. By highlighting these convergences and tensions, we conclude that PP is not only largely compatible with Kantian themes but constitutes a contemporary variant of Kantianism, reanimating essential insights within a scientific framework.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital). Academy of Finland No. 342166.