Is Our Perception of Time a Product of Our Brain's Processing Speed?

  • Thread starter Kakorot
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Span Time
In summary, the concept of the psychological present is not an instant or a point in time, but rather a time span that our brains process information within. This can be seen through experiments with a moving pencil and our ability to manipulate our perception of time. Our brains react to decisions before our conscious mind is aware of them, showing that our perception of time is not instantaneous. Additionally, the rate at which our brains process information is limited, making it impossible to decrease the perception of time without altering the structure of our brains. This also explains why individuals may perceive time differently based on their brain's unique makeup and level of focus.
  • #1
Kakorot
i have come to the conclusion that the psychological present is not an instant. It is not a point in time.
Our brains work in a certain way that let's us see more than one instant at a time.
This can be proven. Take a pencil, and whip it back and forth. You will see multiple pencils. Why is this? Well, your brain processes information so that you see the world in a certain time span. So you will see the pencil in different positions at the "same" time.
Now, with practice, you can manipulate your way of thinkisng so that you can shrink the time span of your conciousness and see only one pencil. Sort of a "keep your eye on the ball" type of thinking.
Its sort of like this. Spatially, we take up volume, we aren't just a point in space. So why can't we also take up a length in time? It makes perfect sense that we take up "space" in all 4 dimensions(maybe more dimensions, who knows?)
Now, some people may have really large bursts of conciousness time-spans. This would allow for precognition, or retrocognition.
I just wanted to see what you guys think about this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here's another piece of evidence for that. EKG experiments with conscious volunteers have shown that our brains react to a decision we are going to take about half a second before our minds become aware of taking it.

In a half second light travels 93,000 miles.
 
  • #3
This is not a span of time which your brain cannot 'break down' per se, but a mere matter of all processes taking a finite amount of time. For example, related to the pencil example, the human eye is only capable of transmitting approximately 30 images per second. Thanks to motion blur, we are able to deduce movements that are as short as one 60th of a second. Therefore, if a pencil is moving faster than that, it will all start blurring together. It is the same with the rate at which your brain processes information. The brain is just a computer, transmitting and receiving electrical signals. Those electrical signals take a finite amount of time to go from one node to another. There is no way to decrease this amount of time without somehow optimizing the configuration of your brain's neuron pathways. Even then, you would probably only be able to see a few percent gains in speed.

*Added:
Note that this still leaves room for variation. I've always been of the mind that everyone perceives time slightly differently because no brain is exactly the same. For one person who is more reactive (like myself) time moves relatively slowly because I am focused on the task at hand and the path is clear, so to speak. For people who are always getting lost in thought and distracted, time likely moves faster because their brain has more traffic and can't dedicate the fastest route entirely to the phenomenon that are happening around them.
 
Last edited:

What does it mean to exist in a span of time?

Existing in a span of time refers to the concept of living and experiencing events within a certain period of time. It encompasses the idea that time is a continuous and ever-changing dimension that we move through as we go about our lives.

How does time affect our existence?

Time plays a crucial role in shaping our existence. It determines the duration of our lives and the events that occur during that time. It also influences our perception of reality and how we experience the world around us.

Can time be manipulated or controlled?

While humans have developed ways to measure and track time, it cannot be physically manipulated or controlled. However, our perception of time can be altered by factors such as our emotions, level of engagement, and attention.

How does the concept of time differ in different cultures?

Time is a social construct and varies greatly between different cultures and societies. Some cultures place a higher value on punctuality and efficiency, while others have a more relaxed approach to time. Additionally, different cultures have their own unique ways of measuring and understanding time.

Is time travel possible?

While time travel has been a popular topic in science fiction, it is currently not possible according to our current understanding of physics. However, scientists continue to explore the concept and some theories suggest that it may be possible in the distant future.

Similar threads

Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
56
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
Replies
10
Views
855
Replies
4
Views
909
  • General Discussion
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
621
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
21
Views
1K
Back
Top