relevant to the [[psychedelic aesthetics]] paper Certainly! Here is the detailed account of 'relaxing priors' again, this time with all quotes formatted as block quotes: [[The concept]] of "relaxing priors" is introduced within the framework of the **REBUS model** ('RElaxed [[Beliefs Under pSychedelics]]'), a [[predictive processing]] (PP) based account of how psychedelics work. [[This model]] posits that psychedelics, especially at high doses, achieve their effects by weakening or "relaxing" deeply ingrained, high-level beliefs that shape our perception and understanding of the world and ourselves. These beliefs, referred to as "**high-level priors**", are fundamental assumptions that reside at the highest levels of the brain's hierarchical predictive models. According to the text, > domain-general beliefs that reside toward the highest levels of the brain’s hierarchical predictive models (p. 111) are weakened by psychedelics. These priors are implemented in > multimodal association areas such as the cortical midline hubs of the DMN and SN (p. 111), networks like the [[Default Mode Network]] (DMN) and [[Salience Network]] (SN). In ordinary, sober cognition, these high-level priors are crucial because they > structure and constrain [[the process]] of probabilistic inference that generates our phenomenal models of reality (p. 111). They essentially set the stage for how we interpret and predict sensory information. The mechanism by which psychedelics achieve this "relaxation" involves disrupting the normal functioning of these high-level networks. The text explains that psychedelics, by binding to 5-HT2A receptors, induce > neuronal desynchronisation and network disintegration (p. 121). This disintegration leads to a reduction in the brain's confidence in these foundational beliefs. As stated in the text: > the basic cognitive effect of psychedelic-induced neuronal desynchronisation and network disintegration is to reduce the brain’s confidence in these fundamental beliefs—to ‘relax’ the beliefs by decreasing their precision weighting, in the jargon (p. 119). The consequence of "relaxing priors" is an > 'unconstrained' mode of cognition (p. 111). Normally, these priors act as constraints, limiting the range of possible interpretations and experiences. By weakening these constraints, psychedelics open up a wider range of possibilities, leading to the characteristic altered states of consciousness. The text highlights that > By diminishing the brain’s confidence in its foundational axioms, psychedelics expand the phenomenological possibility space (p. 121). The therapeutic potential of "relaxing priors" lies in [[the idea]] that [[mental health]] conditions may involve > pathologically overweighted priors underpinning various expressions of mental illness (p. 122). In such cases, these rigid and maladaptive high-level beliefs constrain perception and behavior in detrimental ways. Psychedelics, by temporarily "relaxing" these priors, offer a window of opportunity for > the potential revision and deweighting of overweighted priors (p. 122). This process allows for a recalibration of these fundamental beliefs, potentially leading to healthier and more adaptive cognitive and emotional patterns. In summary, "relaxing priors" in the context of psychedelic therapy refers to the **pharmacologically induced weakening of deeply ingrained, high-level beliefs** that normally structure and constrain our perception and cognition. This relaxation, achieved through the disruption of high-level brain networks, leads to an "unconstrained" mode of cognition and provides a therapeutic opportunity to **revise and update maladaptive priors**, particularly those related to the self, potentially leading to lasting psychological benefits.