The article by Singer, Critchley, and Preuschoff (2009) explores the common role of the insular cortex in feelings, empathy, and uncertainty. The authors propose a unifying model that integrates these functions, suggesting that the insular cortex supports different levels of representation of current and predictive states, allowing for error-based learning of both feeling states and uncertainty. This information is then integrated into a general subjective feeling state, which is modulated by individual preferences such as risk aversion and contextual appraisal. The model integrates external sensory and internal physiological signals with computations about uncertainty, leading to a dominant feeling state that modulates social and motivational behavior. The authors highlight the importance of the insular cortex in affective learning, regulation of body homeostasis, and decision-making in complex and uncertain environments. They also discuss the anatomical connections of the insular cortex and its role in interoceptive awareness, empathy, and risk processing. The article concludes by suggesting that extending computational models of the insula to include emotion and empathy could advance our understanding of affective processes and decision-making in social environments.The article by Singer, Critchley, and Preuschoff (2009) explores the common role of the insular cortex in feelings, empathy, and uncertainty. The authors propose a unifying model that integrates these functions, suggesting that the insular cortex supports different levels of representation of current and predictive states, allowing for error-based learning of both feeling states and uncertainty. This information is then integrated into a general subjective feeling state, which is modulated by individual preferences such as risk aversion and contextual appraisal. The model integrates external sensory and internal physiological signals with computations about uncertainty, leading to a dominant feeling state that modulates social and motivational behavior. The authors highlight the importance of the insular cortex in affective learning, regulation of body homeostasis, and decision-making in complex and uncertain environments. They also discuss the anatomical connections of the insular cortex and its role in interoceptive awareness, empathy, and risk processing. The article concludes by suggesting that extending computational models of the insula to include emotion and empathy could advance our understanding of affective processes and decision-making in social environments.