Blindsight is qualitatively degraded conscious vision.

Blindsight is a neuropsychological condition defined by residual visual function following destruction of primary cortex. This almost universally held to include capacities for voluntary discrimination in the total absence awareness. So conceived, blindsight has had an enormous impact on scientific study consciousness. It reveal dramatic disconnect between performance and awareness used motivate diverse claims concerning neural cognitive basis Here I argue that this orthodox understanding fundamentally mistaken. Drawing models from signal detection theory conjunction with wide range behavioral first-person evidence, contend severely qualitatively degraded but nonetheless conscious vision, unacknowledged due conservative response biases. Psychophysical functional arguments contrary are answered. A powerful positive case vision hypothesis then presented, detailing set distinctive predictions borne out data. Such data further address question what it like have blindsight, as well explain selectively unstable criteria exhibited subjects. On view defended, does not any dissociation awareness, nor speak or requirements foundation stone consciousness science requires radical reconsideration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).