Offline perception: an introduction

Experiences that are self-generated and independent of sensory stimulations permeate our whole life. This theme issue examines their similarities and differences, systematizes the literature from an integrative perspective, critically discusses state-of-the-art empirical findings and proposes new theoretical approaches. The aim of the theme issue is to foster interaction between the different disciplines and research directions involved and to explore the prospects of a unificatory account of offline perception in general. This article is part of the theme issue 'Offline perception: voluntary and spontaneous perceptual experiences without matching external stimulation'.

Automated summary

This theme issue explores the impact of self-generated experiences on our lives, systematizes literature, critically discusses empirical findings, and proposes new theoretical approaches. The aim is to foster interaction between different disciplines and research directions, and to explore the prospects of offline perception as a whole.