What altered states of consciousness can reveal about the mystery of consciousness is explored through extraordinary experiences such as shock, meditation, mystical revelations, out-of-body experiences, and drug intoxication. These moments often lead to a dissolution of our senses of time and self, which have historically been dismissed by mainstream science. Recent research has begun to uncover the neural mechanisms behind these altered states. Neuropsychologist Marc Wittmann delves into how these experiences can illuminate the nature of consciousness. He highlights the close relationship between our consciousness of time and self, noting that in extreme situations, our perceptions of space and self can intensify or weaken together. Wittmann examines the emergence of self in both waking life and dreams, how extreme circumstances distort our sense of time, and the loss of time and self in conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. He references Dostoyevsky's experiences during seizures and the current neurological investigations into epileptic auras. Additionally, he discusses new studies on psychedelics and their potential for treating severe mental health issues. Wittmann argues that to truly understand consciousness and subjectivity, we must explore altered states, which are central to the concepts of time and self.
Marc Wittmann Libri
Marc Wittmann si addentra nella psicologia della percezione del tempo, esplorando come la nostra esperienza soggettiva del tempo plasmi la nostra realtà. Il suo lavoro indaga i processi inconsci e i meccanismi fisiologici che formano la nostra consapevolezza temporale. Wittmann offre uno sguardo affascinante su come le nostre emozioni e le nostre percezioni sensoriali costruiscano il nostro presente, passato e futuro. La sua ricerca apre nuove vie per comprendere la psiche umana e la soggettività.
An expert delves into the riddle of subjective time, examining why it seems to speed up as we age and its connection to consciousness. Our perceptions of time vary greatly; children often struggle with waiting, while boredom can distort our sense of time's passage. As we grow older, the years seem to slip away more quickly. In this exploration, Marc Wittmann investigates how we perceive time, whether in fleeting moments or throughout our lives. Utilizing insights from psychology and neuroscience, he offers a fresh perspective on our time experiences. Wittmann discusses the balance between savoring moments and deferring gratification, the impulsivity that leads to boredom, and whether individuals have a unique "personal speed" or brain rhythm. He suggests that our sense of duration acts as an "error signal," alerting us when we are waiting too long. The practice of mindfulness is considered in relation to slowing down life’s pace, potentially allowing us to feel as if we have more time. Wittmann also notes that as we age, routine can accelerate our perception of time, while a rich and varied life can extend our subjective experience. He highlights the role of bodily processes, particularly the heartbeat, as an internal clock, and discusses ongoing research linking time to consciousness, which may deepen our understanding of the self.