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Remembering is an imaginative project

DOI: 10.1007/s11098-024-02220-9
Goldwasser, S. (2024). Remembering is an imaginative project. Philosophical Studies, 181(11), 2897–2933. doi:10.1007/s11098-024-02220-9

Abstract

This essay defends the claim that episodic remembering is a mental action by arguing that episodic remembering and sensory- or experience-like imagining are of a kind in a way relevant for agency. Episodic remembering is a type of imaginative project that involves the agential construction of imagistic-content and that aims at (veridically) representing particular events of the personal past. Neurally intact adults under normal conditions can token experiential memories of particular events from the personal past (merely) by intending or trying to. An agent’s ability to actively remember depends not only on her being able to determine that some memory event occurs but on her ability to construct the relevant scene at will as well. I claim that the ability to guide construction with respect to imagistic-content is distinctive feature of a subset of active imagining. Episodic remembering is of a kind with that subset of active imagining by being a process of agential construction of imagistic-content, in this case, scene construction that aims at (veridically) representing the personal past. Agential scene construction in the context of remembering is the agent’s exploring her personal past as a highly circumscribed region of modal space.

Authors

  • Seth Goldwasser1

Understanding Episodic Remembering as a Mental Action

Overview/Introduction

This research explores the concept of episodic remembering as a mental action, arguing that it is closely related to imaginative processes. Episodic remembering involves actively constructing mental images to represent personal past events. The study suggests that remembering is not just a passive recall of memories but an active, imaginative process similar to imagining sensory experiences.

Methodology

The research examines the nature of episodic memory and its relationship with imagination. It focuses on the idea that both remembering and imagining are subject to constraints set by the individual's intentions. By analyzing how these constraints operate, the study aims to show that episodic remembering is a form of active imagining.

Key Findings

  • Episodic Remembering as Imaginative Project: Remembering is an active process where individuals construct mental images of past events, similar to how they imagine hypothetical scenarios.
  • Constraints and Agency: Both remembering and imagining are guided by constraints that are ultimately set by the individual's intentions. These constraints help determine the content and occurrence of the memory or imagined scenario.
  • Role of Intentions: The ability to remember or imagine is not just about triggering memories but involves actively constructing scenes based on personal intentions and goals.

Implications

  • Understanding Memory: This perspective shifts the understanding of memory from a passive retrieval process to an active, creative one, emphasizing the role of personal agency.
  • Applications in Therapy: Recognizing memory as an active process can influence therapeutic practices, helping individuals reconstruct and reinterpret past experiences.
  • Educational Approaches: Teaching strategies can incorporate this understanding to enhance learning and memory retention by encouraging active engagement with material.

Limitations

While the study provides a novel perspective on memory, it primarily focuses on neurally intact adults under normal conditions. The implications for individuals with memory impairments or different cognitive conditions require further exploration.
In summary, this research redefines episodic remembering as an active, imaginative process, highlighting the role of personal agency and intention in constructing memories. This approach offers new insights into how we understand and utilize memory in various aspects of life.