Sense of Time

How we perceive time

Aging
The Real Reason the Last Decade of Our Life Seems to Fly By

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on November 15, 2025

Our new study shows why time feels like it speeds up with age. The good news: Older adults cherish and recall their meaningful experiences more vividly than the younger do.

Our new study shows why time feels like it speeds up with age. The good news: Older adults cherish and recall their meaningful experiences more vividly than the younger do.

Consciousness
Physicalism Is Dead

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on November 24, 2024

There is movement in the sciences of consciousness. Physical reductionism, which attempted to annihilate subjective experience, is challenged by several alternative conceptions.

There is movement in the sciences of consciousness. Physical reductionism, which attempted to annihilate subjective experience, is challenged by several alternative conceptions.

Artificial Intelligence
A Question of Time: Why AI Will Never Be Conscious

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on August 3, 2024

Humans and other animals are conscious because the brain changes as part of the environment from one moment to the next. Artificial intelligence on computers always stays the same.

Humans and other animals are conscious because the brain changes as part of the environment from one moment to the next. Artificial intelligence on computers always stays the same.

Consciousness
Floating Happily Without a Sense of Time or Self

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on May 1, 2024

Altered states of consciousness during Floatation-REST can make someone feel relaxed and happy through the dissolution of body boundaries and a loss of subjective time.

Altered states of consciousness during Floatation-REST can make someone feel relaxed and happy through the dissolution of body boundaries and a loss of subjective time.

Memory
How to Make a Lifetime Seem Longer and More Fulfilling

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on January 28, 2024

Becoming more aware of our feelings and to actively regulate them is a path to emotionally richer and memorable periods of life. This in turn leads to a subjectively longer life.

Becoming more aware of our feelings and to actively regulate them is a path to emotionally richer and memorable periods of life. This in turn leads to a subjectively longer life.

Neuroscience
Time Consciousness Explained

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on September 12, 2023

The mystery of subjective time has been solved. We as humans sense the passage of time through our bodily and emotional feelings.

The mystery of subjective time has been solved. We as humans sense the passage of time through our bodily and emotional feelings.

Philosophy
Time and Existence: How Artists Try to Grasp the Ineffable

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on August 6, 2023

Contemporary artists find different expressions to cope with existential aspects of time referring to either the expiring life (chronos) or the passing moment to moment (kairos).

Contemporary artists find different expressions to cope with existential aspects of time referring to either the expiring life (chronos) or the passing moment to moment (kairos).

Free Will
Why Free Will Is Real

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on February 19, 2023

Scientists and philosophers typically claim that free will is an illusion. Are they correct?

Scientists and philosophers typically claim that free will is an illusion. Are they correct?

Neuroscience
The Mystery of Subjective Time: A Case for Embodiment

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on December 23, 2021

The perception of time is of essence for organising our daily life. Yet researchers do not agree on how the brain processes time. Here is my answer: It's all about the body.

The perception of time is of essence for organising our daily life. Yet researchers do not agree on how the brain processes time. Here is my answer: It's all about the body.

Alcoholism
The Power of Dionysus: Effects of Red Wine on Consciousness

Marc Wittmann Ph.D. on September 25, 2021

Our study in a wine bar in Lisabon shows how two glasses of red wine lead to blissful states. Alcohol in moderate doses can enrich one’s life spent together with others.

Our study in a wine bar in Lisabon shows how two glasses of red wine lead to blissful states. Alcohol in moderate doses can enrich one’s life spent together with others.

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November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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