Abstract
Perceptual control is achieved and maintained within a hierarchical network of interconnected control systems. In his work on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT), Powers described eleven levels of control: intensities, sensations, configurations, transitions, events, relationships, categories, sequences, programs, principles and system concepts. Despite Powers’ warning to not take these levels too seriously - they are hypotheses that need to be studied further - this chapter describes how our human perception is different at each level, and paints a picture of how PCT allows us to understand the complexity of our experience. This chapter explains the mechanism of hierarchical control, outlines the experience of control and loss of control at each level through the use of many examples, and explores its connection to the experience of self, emotions and time. The chapter concludes with ideas to test the presented hypotheses.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory |
| Subtitle of host publication | Living in the Loop |
| Editors | Waren Mansell, Eva de Hullu, Vyv Huddy, Tom Scholte |
| Publisher | Academic Press Inc. |
| Chapter | 1 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Volume | 2 |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780323998413 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780323911658 |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Mar 2023 |