Temporal Updating and Temporal Reasoning

Abstract

The dual systems approach to temporal cognition posits the existence of two distinct cognitive systems for processing information related to time. These systems are referred to as the temporal updating system and the temporal reasoning system. The temporal updating system is considered to be more primitive both in terms of evolutionary development (phylogenetically) and individual development (ontogenetically) compared to the temporal reasoning system.The temporal updating system is responsible for continuously updating and tracking changes over time. It handles real-time information processing and supports behaviors that require immediate temporal adjustments. This system is more instinctual and reactive, allowing for quick responses to temporal changes in the environment. On the other hand, the temporal reasoning system is more advanced and allows for higher-level cognitive processes related to time, such as planning, forecasting, and making decisions based on past, present, and future temporal information. This system enables individuals to engage in complex reasoning about time, including understanding causality, sequencing events, and predicting outcomes based on temporal patterns.