Driven by the transformative idea that the brain operates as a predictive engine, this book offers a rigorous yet accessible introduction to predictive processing's core concepts while navigating major theories with depth and critical evaluation. Huettig incorporates historical contexts and maintains a critical stance, shedding light on the pros and cons of various approaches across the many academic disciplines that investigate future-oriented behavior. Looking Ahead is indispensable reading for early students of the science of prediction in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, linguistics, artificial intelligence and computer science, experts in related fields, and for anyone who has ever wondered why, as a species, we take so much interest in what lies ahead.

‘Looking Ahead uncovers the science behind our use of prediction to make decisions and navigate the complex world. Huettig offers original, evidence-based analyses of this capacity, emphasizing the historical context and scientific validity of the concepts. A must-read for anyone curious about the origins and widespread influence of the concept of intelligent systems as prediction engines.’

Fernanda Ferreira - University of California, Davis

‘Many researchers argue that prediction presents a foundational, unifying principle to the understanding of the mind. Huettig has written an accessible yet sophisticated introduction to this fascinating topic, which moves seamlessly through philosophical, experimental, and computational issues that relate prediction to mind and brain.’

Martin Pickering - The University of Edinburgh

‘Huettig plainly explains why the brain is now being treated as a prediction system instead of an information processor. The difference may seem subtle, but across 24 bite-size chapters, Huettig demonstrates that it is nothing short of revolutionary. I predict that both students and experts will absorb powerful insights from Looking Ahead.’

Michael J. Spivey - University of California, Merced

‘The notion of prediction has played an increasing role in contemporary psychological, neuroscientific, and mathematical theories of the mind and the brain. In Looking Ahead, Falk Huettig has created a comprehensive theory of these theories, the strengths, and their weaknesses. It will be a valuable resource for researchers who care about the Big Picture.’

Ray Jackendoff - Tufts University

‘Decades of research into the human mind have resulted in myriad different perspectives on the workings of that mind: Falk Huettig provides the reader with a sophisticated yet accessible tour of those different perspectives through the lens of prediction Looking Ahead the ability to use information from the past or present in service of accessing information about the future. Few books, if any, capture the range of phenomena, and associated disciplines, that are captured here. Both novice and expert will benefit from Huettig’s ability to engage and guide the reader through such varied intellectual terrain. This should be on every cognitive scientist’s list of essential reading.’

Gerry Altmann - University of Connecticut