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Time During Time: Multi-scalar Temporal Cognition

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Cognition Beyond the Brain

Abstract

Most models of cognitive function focus on internal structures while neglecting interactive and multi-scalar temporal elements. The current chapter advances the argument that cognition cannot be defined in isolation of three components: internal mechanisms (e.g. neural connections as well as our bodies), externally distributed interactions (e.g. sampling bias and other people), and multi-scalar temporal elements (e.g. socio-cultural background and habits ). Further, the chapter advances the position that the definition of cognition necessarily is a functional concept. In this view, an objective world exists separate from cognitive functionality (and the individual performing the cognitive task). However, the derived functionality can only ever be an imperfect impression of this world to the extent that it is constructed and emergent as a result of the three aspects. This suggests a performed and multi-scalar temporal emergence of subjective selfhood that may nonetheless be modelled from a formal perspective. Finally, while most evidence in support of the multi-scalar temporal definition of cognition is indicative, the chapter briefly considers Agent-Based Models as a direct way to test plausible models of cognition that incorporates the three elements of cognitive functionality.

The Danish Council of Independent Research supports the research (ID: DFF – 1329-00021B).

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Notes

  1. 1.

    ‘Causal’ refers to aspects that, if removed, would qualitatively change the outcome of a chain. Comparatively, supplementary aspects merely modulate the outcome of a chain. I am grateful to a reviewer who pointed out this terminological insufficiency.

  2. 2.

    As reviewed in section “Indicative evidence for MST cognition”, there is a growing amount of evidence to support this claim.

  3. 3.

    Presumably coordination-induction becomes easier over time with experience, suggesting a temporal relation in coordination aspects as well.

  4. 4.

    Individual differences may account for some of this variance. The weight of culture and individual differences is a fascinating research topic that warrants more exploration.

  5. 5.

    These are two of five general personality traits frequently used in the psychology of personality called OCEAN or ‘the big five’: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (see e.g. Digman 1990; Johnson 2014).

  6. 6.

    Both situational and temporal aspects go beyond the brain in fundamental ways that are not traceable or reducible to neural pathways. For example, emergence of group behaviour may not be reducible to he cognitive functions of the involved individuals, but draw on emergent properties that go beyond each individual. Agent-Based Models may be an ideal too to test the hypothesis that cognitive function in a larger network goes beyond the cognitive capabilities of each individual.

  7. 7.

    Prejudiced violence is a good example of this. Isolated, such actions may appear irrational and unmotivated. MST analyses of such cognitive functions may provide an ontogenesis of hatred that cannot be located in the specific situation in which the hate-crime takes place. This broadens the epistemic field and allows for different causal connections that motivate violence (e.g. the upbringing of the person).

  8. 8.

    Note that internal mechanisms also provide cues that may be overridden. For example, craving ice cream while on a diet. Similarly, one’s cultural background may provide strong cues for certain cognitive effort, which may (or may not) be overridden given reflection or determination.

  9. 9.

    Note, however, that this does not entail total ethical and normative relativism.

  10. 10.

    The weight and influence of individual temporal nodes in such a system would be determined by careful examination of the case study and the data available for that system.

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  1. School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, England

    Jens Koed Madsen

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  1. Department of Language and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Slagelse, Denmark

    Stephen J. Cowley

  2. Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

    Frédéric Vallée-Tourangeau

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Madsen, J.K. (2017). Time During Time: Multi-scalar Temporal Cognition. In: Cowley, S., Vallée-Tourangeau, F. (eds) Cognition Beyond the Brain. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49115-8_8

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