[SydPhil] Time Perception Workshop Jan 29, University of Sydney

Tue Jan 16 16:11:36 AEDT 2024

Dear all, 

The centre for time is running a workshop on time perception on Jan 29. All welcome. The (incomplete) program is below. 

Temporal Perception Workshop

January 29,  N 494, The University of Sydney 

9.30-10.40 Rasmus Pedersen

Title: The Role of Retrodiction, Prediction, and Attention in Temporal Binding

Abstract:
In this talk, I set forward a theory of temporal binding. Temporal binding is a mechanism that allows the brain to integrate temporal properties of sensory information into coherent representational states so that we can consciously perceive the temporal order and synchrony relations of external events. How the brain engages in temporal binding remains a widespread problem in psychology and philosophy (Nishida & Johnston, 2010; Arstila 2016). Some have argued that our brain must temporally bind sensory information retrodictively to accurately bind features according to their event time instead of when their processing time (Dennett & Kinsbourne, 1992; Nishida & Johnston, 2010). Others that our brain temporal binds sensory information predictively as this allows for speedy real-time perceptions of trajectories (Blom et al., 2021; Grush, 2005; Hogendoorn, 2022; Nijhawan, 2008). The central point of this talk is to propose a hybrid theory of how our brain employs both retrodictive and predictive processing to deal with this trade-off between speed and accuracy right in a flexible manner. I argue that theories of retrodictive processing and theories of predictive processing interact in mutually beneficial ways to temporally bind sensory information. Moreover, I propose that exogenous and endogenous modulation of attention plays a central role in selecting which representational contents get temporally bound when.

10.45-11.55 Laura Sperl

Title: Manipulating time: biases elicited by slow motion and time lapse

The manipulation of video speed, such as via slow motion replays or time lapse videos, has become a popular tool in both personal and professional settings, ranging from cinematography to documentary purposes. It offers the possibility for enhanced scene analyses, often to capture processes that are difficult to observe in real time. However, the effects of such manipulations on human perception and cognition are largely unexplored so far. Initial findings suggest that humans do not seem to be very capable to correctly perceive manipulated video speeds (both slow motion and time lapse), however, evidence is still limited so far. Moreover, while slow motion replays are frequently used as video evidence in sports or legal proceedings in order to better understand the actual situation and improve decision-making, recent research has revealed that this alteration of video speed can introduce several biases. Specifically, in a series of experiments, we observed that actions that are presented in slow motion are perceived to take longer and are experienced as more intentional compared to viewing in real time speed. However, providing explicit video speed information seems to be able to eliminate or mitigate these biases at least in parts. Our findings suggest that participants do not necessarily overestimate the original duration of an action per se, but might fail to perceive the extent to which a video was slowed down. As a consequence, this misconception of video speed seems to lead to an erroneous backward calculation into real time causing the overestimation of original duration. I will present data from an experimental series on human perception of different video speeds, its effect on time perception as well as associated temporal and judgmental biases. Underlying cognitive mechanisms, implications for future research and practice as well as open questions will be discussed. 

12.00-1.00 LUNCH

1.00-2.10 Alex Holcombe

TBA

2.15-3.25 Brigitte Everett

Title: Content Intelligibility Problem about Temporal Passage Illusionism

Abstract:
In recent years, temporal passage illusionism has fallen out of favour. In part this is due to the content intelligibility problem (Hoerl 2014). The thought is that the temporal passage illusionist’s claim that we have experiences with content as of robust, A-theoretic temporal passage, when such passage does not exist, is unintelligible. In this talk, I will argue that the content intelligibility problem can be solved. I will first outline the problem and explain that it arises in part via the illusionist need to claim that experiences as of passage represent the same experience that a veridical experience of passage would, and a strong naturalistic assumption. In other words, I will claim that there is a tension between the passage illusionist view and the assumption that an experience must, at the very least, co-vary with the properties that it represents, and that these must be properties that are instantiated in the actual world. I will explain that in order to solve the intelligibility problem the illusionist should weaken their strong naturalistic assumption. Finally, I will argue that this is not a problematic solution, as there are other good reasons to reject such a strong version of naturalism. 

3.30-4.40: TBA 

Professor Kristie Miller
Chair of Discipline,
Joint Director, the Centre for Time
School of Humanities,
The Centre for Time
The University of Sydney
Sydney Australia
Room S213, A 14 Main Quad

kristie.miller at sydney.edu.au
kristie_miller at yahoo.com
Ph: +612 9036 9663
https://www.kristiemiller.net 
https://www.centrefortime.org

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