Hebbian learning and predictive mirror neurons for actions, sensations and emotions.
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity is considered the neurophysiological basis of Hebbian learning and has been shown to be sensitive to both contingency and contiguity between pre- and postsynaptic activity. Here, we will examine how applying this Hebbian learning rule to a system of interconnected neurons in the presence of direct or indirect re-afference (e.g. seeing/hearing one's own actions) predicts the emergence of mirror neurons with predictive properties. In this framework, we analyse how mirror neurons become a dynamic system that performs active inferences about the actions of others and allows joint actions despite sensorimotor delays. We explore how this system performs a projection of the self onto others, with egocentric biases to contribute to mind-reading. Finally, we argue that Hebbian learning predicts mirror-like neurons for sensations and emotions and review evidence for the presence of such vicarious activations outside the motor system.
Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, KNAW, , Meibergdreef 47, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Christian
C
Keysers
Valeria
V
Gazzola
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D059167:Mirror Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
Hebbian learning; active inference; mind-reading; mirror neurons; projection; vicarious activations