Attention as Precision Tuning: A Predictive Processing Perspective

Attention isn't just about focusing—it's about how our brains decide what matters. According to Andy Clark's predictive processing theory, attention is the mechanism by which our brains adjust the "precision" of sensory predictions. By increasing precision on relevant signals and down-weighting noise, we shape perception and action dynamically. This explains why skilled athletes "see" the game differently or why anxiety amplifies harmless sensations. Attention isn’t passive; it’s an active process of tuning our predictions to refine reality itself. Mastering attention, then, is about mastering the way we construct our world.

https://slatestarcodex.com/2017/09/05/book-review-surfing-uncertainty/