Control at the heart of life: a philosophical review of perceptual control theory

Current Opinion in Behavioural Sciences 63 (101526):1-6 (2025)
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Abstract

Perceptual-control theory offers a physically reductive way to account for teleology or goal-directedness, ranging from the initial emergence of life, to creatures capable of regulating their own consciousness. This broad framework motivates key aspects of the perceptual-control model including the flexibility of behaviour, the hierarchy of aims or values, and the links between control and affective states. In this way, perceptual control theory integrates the psychological constants of representation, evaluation, and action.

Author Profiles

Tom Cochrane
Flinders University
Matthew James Nestor
University of Adelaide

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