Towards a Measurement Theory for Consciousness Science
Measurement is an integral part of consciousness science. Correspondingly, a host of measurement techniques have been developed and refined over the past decades. These techniques include measures of consciousness to infer whether an experiencer has consciously perceived a stimulus, as well as C-tests, which allow to infer whether an experiencer is capable of having conscious experiences.
What is currently lacking in the field, however, is a substantive theory that ties the different approaches together, and allows to compare, contrast, or differentiate between them. Such theories, called measurement theories, play an integral role in fields like psychology, economics, or physics.
The goal of this workshop is to invite reflection about measurement theories in consciousness science. It aims to prompt discussion of:
- Goals and Desiderata of a Measurement Theory in Consciousness Science: What are the specific problems or challenges in consciousness science that a measurement theory could/would solve? What would the theory have to achieve in order to be useful?
- Feasibility of a Measurement Theory in Consciousness Science: Is consciousness science at a stage where a measurement theory is possible? What are unique features of measurement in consciousness science that a measurement theory should accommodate?
- State of the Art and Existing Work: Is there existing work that might pave the way for a measurement theory for consciousness? What is the state of the art of the theoretical understanding of measurement in the field?
- Comparison with Other Fields: What is required for a good measurement theory in psychology or (cognitive) neuroscience, and which measurement theories exist in these fields? Can these be applied to or helpful for measurement in consciousness science?
To facilitate these discussions, the workshop brings together a group of leading experts that work on, or have extensively thought about, questions of measurement in consciousness and cognition.
If you would like to participate in this workshop via Zoom, please apply as instructed below.
Date & Time
Date: February 23 – 24, 2026
Time: Programme TBA
Location: BAMΞ, University of Bamberg, Bamberg & Online, Zoom
This workshop is part of BAMΞ's Measurement Theory Sprint.
Invited Speakers
We are currently in the process of inviting speakers. Please find below a list of confirmed invited speakers.
Megan Peters
Prof. Dr.
Experimental Psychology Department, University College London
Title TBA
Johannes Fahrenfort
Prof. Dr.
Cognitive Psychology Section, Free University Amsterdam
Title TBA
Jolien Francken
Prof. Dr.
Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam
Title TBA
Matthias Michel
Prof. Dr.
Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Title TBA
Wanja Wiese
Dr.
Institute for Philosophy II, Ruhr University Bochum
Title TBA
Andrew Y. Lee
Prof. Dr.
Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto
Title TBA
Discussion Sessions
Exchange between participants of the workshop, regarding thoughts, ideas, and experience, is an integral part of this workshop. To facilitate this exchange, there is ample space for discussions after each talk, as well as dedicated discussion sessions, one at the end of each day of the workshop. For details, please see the schedule below.
Application
If you would like to participate in this workshop, please apply via the form linked below. Please note that in order to facilitate productive discussions, spaces are limited. We are looking forward to welcoming you!
Schedule
A detailed schedule will be made available in the week before the workshop commences.
Organizing Institutions
Bamberg Mathematical Consciousness Science Initiative (BAMΞ)
Contact
In case of questions, please reach out.
Updates
Updates about this workshop and similar activities are available via:
- Our mailing list, register here.
- Our Google calendar, available here.