There is a gap between the concept of time in physics and that in neuroscience. Human time is dynamic and involves a dynamic ‘flow,’ whereas physical time is said to be “frozen" as in Einstein’s Block Universe. The result has been a fierce debate as to which time is ‘real’. The recently accepted paper by Frontiers provides a compromise, dualistic view. The claim is that within the cranium there already exists an overlooked, complete, and independent physical system of time, that is compatible with the essence of modern spacetime cosmology. However, the brain through a process of evolution developed a complementary illusory system that provides a supplementary, more satisfying experience of temporal experiences that leads to better adaptive behavior. The Dualistic Mind View provides evidence that both systems of time exist and are not competitive. Neither need be denigrated.

This new theory of time is going to spark a fierce debate but one that the we welcome. By inviting commentaries from members of the academic community who are thoroughly familiar with this debate because of their own personal contributions to the literature it should be possible to construct a special collection devoted to the criticism of the Dualistic Mind Theory. The topic itself has always generated much interest and a large readership. The introduction of this new theory, because it competes with other views of time, should generate even more excitement and an even bigger readership.

The commentators who would be contacted are experts in this field of the ‘flow of time’ and the ‘two times problem’ that has plagued physicists, philosophers, psychologists, and neuroscientists for years. We expect that this Article Collection will provide a platform for academics to discuss this theory and its implications, as well as the previous understanding of the topic and future directions.

We acknowledge the funding of the manuscripts published in this Research Topic by Dr. R. Laurence Berkowitz, Good Samaritan Hospital. We hereby state publicly that Dr. Berkowitz has had no editorial input in articles included in this Research Topic, thus ensuring that all aspects of this Research Topic are evaluated objectively, unbiased by any specific policy or opinion of Dr. Berkowitz.

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Frontiers in Psychology

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