Temporal Disorientation in Episodic Memory: Navigating the Construction Process
Francesca Righetti, Bastien Perroy
Review of Philosophy and Psychology March 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s13164-026-00804-4 via OpenAlex
Summary
Temporal disorientation in episodic memory involves recalling events that are difficult to place in time. This paper argues for a constrained functional analogy between mental time travel and spatial navigation, characterizing temporal orientation as coordination between egocentric anchors and temporal structure (order, interval, and calendrical constraints). Temporal disorientation arises when this coordination breaks down. Drawing on constructive accounts of episodic memory, specifically the Scenario Construction Framework, the authors identify two distinct experiences: uncertainty whether an event occurred, and difficulty constructing the temporal sequence of remembered content. They propose that navigation in mental time and the feeling of temporal disorientation scaffold episodic construction, opening new paths for investigating mental navigation's role in memory.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Episodic memory Chronesthesia Construct python library Constructive Autobiographical memory |
| Key finding | Temporal disorientation in episodic memory arises from a breakdown in coordination between egocentric anchors and temporal structure, and this disorientation can scaffold episodic construction. |
Abstract
Abstract Temporal disorientation in episodic memory includes recalling episodes we struggle to posit in time. In this paper, we theorize how this disorientation arises by arguing for a constrained functional analogy between mental time travel and spatial navigation. We characterize temporal orientation as coordination between egocentric anchors and temporal structure (order, interval, and calendrical constraints); and, consequently, temporal disorientation as the breakdown of this coordination. Drawing on constructive accounts of episodic memory - and more specifically, the Scenario Construction Framework - we identify two distinct experiences of temporal disorientation. First, when attempting to situate a memory in time, we may become uncertain whether an event actually occurred. Second, we may struggle to construct the temporal sequence of events within remembered content. We propose that navigation in mental time and the feeling of temporal disorientation scaffold episodic construction. Our framework opens new paths for investigating the role of mental navigation in episodic memory construction.