Optereenost

Optereenost is a term used in speculative cognitive science to denote a hypothesized perceptual ability in which an observer experiences multiple potential outcomes of a decision as distinct, consciously accessible representations in real time. The term is derived from roots related to vision and perception, and is commonly described as an internal form of foresight rather than an external sensory event.

In proposed accounts, optereenost would arise from heightened predictive coding and working-memory maintenance, allowing concurrent simulation of alternative actions and their probable consequences. Proponents argue it could illuminate aspects of rapid decision-making, risk assessment, and expert intuition, while skeptics warn that introspective reports of “seeing” futures may reflect metacognitive processes or bias.

The term was introduced in speculative writings in the early 2010s and has seen limited uptake in mainstream cognitive neuroscience. Because the phenomenon has not been reliably demonstrated with objective measures, optereenost remains controversial and is treated primarily as a theoretical construct or metaphor rather than a confirmed cognitive faculty.

See also: predictive coding, counterfactual thinking, foresight, metacognition.