TY - JOUR

T1 - Ultrafast cognition

AU - Wallot, Sebastian

AU - van Orden, Guy

PY - 2012/6/11

Y1 - 2012/6/11

N2 - Observations of ultra fast cognition in human performance challenge intuitive information processing and computation metaphors of cognitive processing. Instances of ultra fast cognition are marked by ultra fast response times of reliable, accurate responses to a relatively complex stimulus. Ultra fast means response times that are as fast as a single feed forward burst of activity across the nervous system connecting eye to hand. Thus the information processing and computation metaphors in question are those in which some amount of time is required to decide and initiate a response, over and above the minimum time required, physiologically, for the eye-hand chain of action potentials - these are metaphors in which the brain does work that has a measurable duration in time. Ultra fast cognition can be explained by synergies spanning the mind and body. Synergies are temporary dynamical structures that anticipate context-appropriate Behaviour. An anticipatory state poises the mind and body in symmetry among equivalent options for Behaviour, and only a minimal change in context, favoring one option over any other, is sufficient to break symmetry and enact an ultra fast cognitive response.

AB - Observations of ultra fast cognition in human performance challenge intuitive information processing and computation metaphors of cognitive processing. Instances of ultra fast cognition are marked by ultra fast response times of reliable, accurate responses to a relatively complex stimulus. Ultra fast means response times that are as fast as a single feed forward burst of activity across the nervous system connecting eye to hand. Thus the information processing and computation metaphors in question are those in which some amount of time is required to decide and initiate a response, over and above the minimum time required, physiologically, for the eye-hand chain of action potentials - these are metaphors in which the brain does work that has a measurable duration in time. Ultra fast cognition can be explained by synergies spanning the mind and body. Synergies are temporary dynamical structures that anticipate context-appropriate Behaviour. An anticipatory state poises the mind and body in symmetry among equivalent options for Behaviour, and only a minimal change in context, favoring one option over any other, is sufficient to break symmetry and enact an ultra fast cognitive response.

KW - Psychology

KW - Complexity

KW - Mind-body synergy

KW - Symmetry breaking

KW - Ultra fast response time

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84861885914&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:84861885914

VL - 19

SP - 141

EP - 160

JO - Journal of Consciousness Studies

JF - Journal of Consciousness Studies

SN - 1355-8250

IS - 5-6

ER -