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The Perceptual Awareness Scale-recent controversies and debates
Morten Overgaard1, Kristian Sandberg2
1Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Nørrebrogade 1A, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.
Neuroscience of Consciousness
|December 20, 2021
Summary
The Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS) offers precise subjective reports for consciousness science. This review updates its usage, effectiveness, and debates on gradual versus all-or-none consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Subjective experience is key to understanding consciousness.
- The Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS) has grown in popularity since its 2004 inception for introspective reports.
- Critiques and ongoing debates surround its application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intended use and first decade of findings for the Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS).
- To update on recent empirical and theoretical developments concerning PAS.
- To address specific critiques and compare PAS with alternative awareness measures.
Main Methods:
- Recapitulation of core PAS principles and early findings.
- Integration of recent empirical data and theoretical advancements.
- Critical analysis of selected recent articles debating PAS.
Main Results:
- Evidence is presented regarding consciousness as a gradual or all-or-none phenomenon.
- Discussion on criteria for conscious versus unconscious experience in relation to PAS.
- Comparative analysis of PAS effectiveness against alternative awareness measures.
Conclusions:
- PAS remains a valuable tool for subjective experience research in consciousness science.
- Ongoing research continues to refine the understanding and application of PAS.
- The scale's utility is discussed in the context of current theoretical debates in consciousness studies.
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