Memory and the Self

Phenomenology, Science and Autobiography

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Mind & Body
Cover of the book Memory and the Self by Mark Rowlands, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Rowlands ISBN: 9780190649999
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: October 14, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Mark Rowlands
ISBN: 9780190649999
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: October 14, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

The idea that our memories, in some sense, make us who we are, is a common one-and not at all implausible. After all, what could make us who we are if not the things we have experienced, thought, felt and desired on these idiosyncratic pathways through space and time that we call lives? And how can we retain these experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires if not through memory? On the other hand, most of what we have experienced has been forgotten. And there is now a considerable body of evidence that suggests that, even when we think we remember, our memories are likely to be distorted, sometimes beyond recognition. Imagine writing your autobiography, only to find that that most of it has been redacted, and much of the rest substantially rewritten. What would hold this book together? What would make it the unified and coherent account of a life? The answer, Mark Rowlands argues, lies, partially hidden, in a largely unrecognized form of memory-Rilkean memory. A Rilkean memory is produced when the content of a memory is lost but the act of remembering endures, in a new, mutated, form: a mood, a feeling, or a behavioral disposition. Rilkean memories play a significant role in holding the self together in the face of the poverty and inaccuracy of the contents of memory. But Rilkean memories are important not just because of what they are, but also because of what they were before they became such memories. Acts of remembering sculpt the contents of memories out of the slabs of remembered episodes. Our acts of remembering ensure that we are in the content of each of our memories-present in the way a sculptor is present in his creation-even when this content is lamentably sparse and endemically inaccurate.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The idea that our memories, in some sense, make us who we are, is a common one-and not at all implausible. After all, what could make us who we are if not the things we have experienced, thought, felt and desired on these idiosyncratic pathways through space and time that we call lives? And how can we retain these experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires if not through memory? On the other hand, most of what we have experienced has been forgotten. And there is now a considerable body of evidence that suggests that, even when we think we remember, our memories are likely to be distorted, sometimes beyond recognition. Imagine writing your autobiography, only to find that that most of it has been redacted, and much of the rest substantially rewritten. What would hold this book together? What would make it the unified and coherent account of a life? The answer, Mark Rowlands argues, lies, partially hidden, in a largely unrecognized form of memory-Rilkean memory. A Rilkean memory is produced when the content of a memory is lost but the act of remembering endures, in a new, mutated, form: a mood, a feeling, or a behavioral disposition. Rilkean memories play a significant role in holding the self together in the face of the poverty and inaccuracy of the contents of memory. But Rilkean memories are important not just because of what they are, but also because of what they were before they became such memories. Acts of remembering sculpt the contents of memories out of the slabs of remembered episodes. Our acts of remembering ensure that we are in the content of each of our memories-present in the way a sculptor is present in his creation-even when this content is lamentably sparse and endemically inaccurate.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Mystery of Allegra - With Audio Level 2 Oxford Bookworms Library by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book City Girls by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book The Internet and Young Learners - Primary Resource Books for Teachers by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book How Much Risk? by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book The Old Testament: A Very Short Introduction by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Daughters of Hecate by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book She is Cuba by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Before the Singing by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Curry by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Saudi Clerics and Shi'a Islam by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book The Withered Arm - With Audio Level 1 Oxford Bookworms Library by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Radioactivity by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Mystery in London Starter Level Oxford Bookworms Library by Mark Rowlands
Cover of the book Helping in Child Protective Services by Mark Rowlands
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy