Lost in time: a historical frame, elementary processing units and the 3-second window

Abstract

The main topics of time and timing in psychology, cognitive neuroscience and biology have been formulated already in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, time and timing as a challenging topic has been put to rest for quite some time, but has become a central issue again during the last years. It has become clear, that perceptual or cognitive processes can only be understood if the dimension of time is taken more seriously. The reduction of complexity in neuronal systems is for instance, achieved by temporal integration mechanisms which are independent of the content of a percept or a cognitive act but are presemantical operations. It is essential to distinguish between content functions and logistical functions that provide presemantically defined temporal frames for mental activity.