What is the Free Energy Principle?

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The Free Energy Principle (FEP) suggests that all living systems minimize free energy by constructing a generative model of their external environment and acting to minimize the difference between the internal model and the perceived external world[1][2][3][4]. Improving prediction can be done by either predicting the environment better or making the environment more predictable[1]. Neural cells appeared to self-organize their activity and got better at playing the game pong, supporting this as at least one driver behind intelligent behavior[1]. Recent experiments with in vitro neurons have shown goal-directed learning, which support the FEP[4].

[1] rsv.org.au