Chapter 11

Awareness of Time

Paulo J. Negro

Abstract

Humans sense the passage of time as a subtle form of experience defined by an absence. Studies of interval timing often focus on the individual´s assessment of a period with no stimulation between two auditory stimuli. Time is an inherent part of Shannon’s information. Brain function contains an invariant time-dimension. Every cortical circuit seems to have an inherent computational ability for timing regulated by time-dependent changes in synaptic and cellular properties. Local networks affect qualia of time experienced both in visual and auditory experiments. State-dependent local learning and oscillatory phase shifts support a role for early cortical processing in time discrimination. Brain oscillatory phases predict conscious perception. The temporal cortex adjusts its own oscillatory phase, mapping its window of analysis of incoming time-sensitive events. These phase adjustments support the existence of active brain-centric expectations in time perception and other conscious experiences.

Total Pages: 60-68 (9)

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