Definitionv1DF-169
Temporal discounting
the systematic psychological tendency to perceive future consequences as less vivid, concrete, and emotionally salient than present ones, resulting in diminished motivation to act on future outcomes
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely captures temporal discounting by identifying its genus (psychological tendency) and differentia (perception of future as less vivid/concrete/salient). It distinguishes it from simple impatience by emphasizing its neurological basis and its role in decision-making behavior.