Cognition & Non-Linear Time

[RainmanTime]

The paper by Ben Goertzel at the following URL has some interesting analysis and implications with respect to cognition and linear vs. non-linear temporal sequences. Since I am always discussing how we need to "understand time before we can travel through it" I thought I would share this article and a few of its more salient points:

http://www.goertzel.org/dynapsyc/1999/NonlinearTimeSeriesAnalysis.html

Complex systems philosophy tells us that the interesting structures we see in the world around us are emergents, arising via the self-organization of smaller-scale structures, interacting in relatively simple ways.

Traditional methods of time series analysis are based on linear mathematics. However, linearity and self-organization are antithetical; to study self-organization and emergence we need to do nonlinear time series analysis (see Footnote 1 for a philosophical explanation of why).

In essence, it is argued that the mathematical methods of nonlinear time series analysis are idealized versions of the techniques that the mind uses to understand the time series of perceptual data that are continually presented to it.

To state it more simply: In order for the mind to perceive a linear flow of time, it uses non-linear temporal analysis methods. Interesting, no?

The basic element of perception is not the atemporal instant but the temporal chunk, a series of perceptions grouped into an instantaneously perceived whole. That the perceptual chunk is simultaneously temporal and atemporal is the essence of all phenomenological weirdness -- the "twistiness of being," one might call it.

Many more "gems" in this paper. Yes, lots of technical concepts as well, but one should not be afraid of them. It is my opinion that we will not have a "real" understanding of Time until we also understand how the mind "creates" the perception of Time.

RMT