Dr. Mark Miller
Philosopher. Cognitive Scientist. Happiness Aficionado.
As a philosopher and cognitive scientist I apply the tools of conceptual analysis, theoretical model building and empirical methods to answer fundamental questions about human cognition - about the way that human beings think.
My research investigates the implications of a leading new perspective on cognition, which conceptualizes the mind as an engine of knowledge-driven predictions. I work to integrate this body of work with the so called “4E cognition” view, which emphasizes the role of embodied and environmental processes in constituting what we call mind.
Today, I am exploring how these same developments in cognitive psychology and neuroscience may help us gain a clearer understanding of the impact that our increasingly technologically-mediated world has on our happiness and well-being. I am developing new perspectives on contemporary discussions in domains such as human-computer interaction and socio-technical systems, with a specific emphasis on human flourishing.
Current Affiliations:
Senior Research Fellow - Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash University.
Research Fellow - Psychology Department, University of Toronto.
Lab Manager - Consciousness and Wisdom Lab
Visiting Researcher - Centre for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Hokkaido University.
Some recent news.
Predictive Dynamics of Happiness and Wellbeing
I am leading a 2-year SSHRC funded project entitled The Predictive Dynamics of Happiness and Wellbeing at the University of Toronto, alongside the incredible John Vervaeke! Check out some of what we have been up to here!
Mastering Uncertainty
Brand new paper out on the predictive dynamics that underlay our fascination with playing video games. Check out Mastering Uncertainty: A Predictive Processing Account of Enjoying Uncertain Success in Video Game Play.
Your Mind Needs Chaos
My most recent interview on Vox’s The Grey Area explores how the human mind is designed to predict, but how uncertainty can helps us thrive.! Check it out here!
Our Podcast!
I have joined forces with University of Toronto’s Buddhist Pyschology and Mental Health Program and The Ho Centre to create The Contemplative Science Podcast - bringing cutting-edge science into conversation with contemplative traditions. Click HERE to join the community!
Voices with Vervaeke
Had another chance to chat with Prof John Vervaeke on Integrating Science and Contemplative Practice! Check it out here.
More Horror Research
Finally got the chance to team up with horror research extraordinaire Coltan Scrivner, to write a new paper just released in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Surfing Uncertainty with Screams: Predictive Processing, Error Dynamics and Horror Films.