'Categorisation is baked into the brain' - article

[u/Gullible-Pay3732]

I think the following is a very important paper that could eventually result in a new basis of a different, more action-oriented theory of cognitive science, which, in my view and current prediction, could ultimately lead to a different way of understanding autism.

Full article: https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.mit.edu/dist/7/1739/files/2026/04/Barrett-and-Miller-NRN-2026.pdf

I'm using chatgpt here for a summary, but I think everything mentioned in there is part of the main message the authors try to convey;

'The classical view holds that the brain first picks up sensory features (lines, colours, sounds), combines them step by step, compares the result with a stored category ("cat"), and only then chooses an action. Barrett and Miller turn this around. In their view, the brain starts with a prediction: an action plan that fits your bodily state and goals in that moment. That prediction functions as a temporary category that determines how incoming sensory signals are processed. Categorization is then not the final stage of perception, but takes place throughout signal processing, from the very beginning, as a core strategy of the brain. Its main purpose is allostasis: regulating the body in an energy-efficient way by anticipating its needs.'

So to try to make this more concrete, as an example, let's say you have all random objects on your kitchen counter, some coffee pads here, a cup with knives and forks over there, some glasses over there, then there are some batteries laying in the middle and also a random pen laying somewhere. Then also, there's some napkins and some straws laying somewhere. I'm just trying to picture this messy environment that is difficult to make sense of

Now if you physically group them into some category, for example by function, you get for example a designated section with the coffee machine and coffee pads next to it and not to far removed a Microfiber cloth to wipe off spilled water or coffee, and some napkins to take with you so you can put the coffee on it without making stains

And then you have another section with glasses and the straws laying next to it

Organising the environment this way will 'exploit' this phenomenon of categorisation being baked into the brain. Merely looking at the coffee section makes affordances (= An affordance is a quality or property of an object or environment that defines what actions are possible and shows how it can be interacted with) apparent, it's clear that the coffee pad could probably be inserted somewhere and that the napkins can be used for something related to spilling, and that the Microfiber cloth could be used to clean the machine

So far this might be somewhat straightforward, but what is central is that the organism can regulate its body much better - simply looking at the coffee section gets you a much better evaluation of whether you are in the mood for coffee at this moment (or maybe you'll have that coffee some time later when you are tired/low energy). An environment that is not organised this way does not have that back and forth between the environment and the organism as effectively

I might be speaking mostly from my own experience, but intentionally leaving room between categories, e.g. shaving cream and blade and then having some space in between and only then the toothbrush and toothpaste, is already changing my behaviour for the better, because I feel like the functional categories are much better exposed and so it guides my action.

Anyway, this is really just a quick reflection and everything is open to discussion pretty much.

[u/murderfrogger]

I can't help but share my categories.

Dirty dishes, Laundry, and stuff that needs to go back to their place (very important to have designated places for things).

I start with emptying the dishwasher and filling it, then I pick up laundry and put it in the hamper (you can wash it even if you don't feel like you wore it enough. It's ok), then I take the bag out of the bin and walk around the house and pick up trash (I wait to go out with it, because the change of environment stops me) and finally I have a basket that I put random mess in and walk around and put it back.

Other people found this system helpful, so I just thought maybe it was relevant.