Postdiction and the speed of consciousness.
Behav Brain Sci June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25102859 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe article examines the concept of postdiction, where the timing of conscious perception is retroactively determined by later stimuli, and its implications for understanding the speed of consciousness. It argues that postdiction challenges traditional models that assume consciousness arises immediately after sensory input, proposing instead that conscious experiences can be influenced by events occurring after the initial stimulus. The author contends that this phenomenon suggests consciousness operates with a temporal delay, integrating information over brief windows of time.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that postdiction indicates conscious perception is not instantaneous but involves a temporal delay, with later events retroactively shaping the timing and content of experience. |
Abstract
Postdiction and the speed of consciousness.