Ask HN: Suppose brains follow an optimization function what is that function?

I don't have expertise at all in that area, but I've always suspected something very similar to annealing is going on. Apparently through targeted brain scans, scientists can predict your responses a few moments before you even realize you have an answer because of the way the brain activity surfaces and synchronizes beforehand.

I used to think of it as a sort of democratic mental process that is hidden from the conscious parts of your brain. But of course, I could be completely wrong, too.

Minimizing the error between predicted values of future sensory inputs and current outputs of sensors.

Sensors defined here under the broadest-possible abstract umbrella definition of internally hooked-up source of information, such as;

- am I currently feeling sad

- did that thing that happened in that memory I am currently remembering really happen that way

- the mental sensation of trying to regain one's train of thought