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Memory Causation and Persons
In the study and philosophy of memory, the Sven Bernecker’s causal theory affirms that the connection between the past and a present depiction must fundamentally be guaranteed by a trace of a memory that persists or several memory traces from the preceding representation which, therefore forms the present one. The theory also explains that memory traces are subjective beliefs that are natural, and they can be implanted or removed from the brain. Additionally, the approach explains that memory traces are not structural analogues from historical events and experiences. Thus, they require the causal power to persist and continue to evoke authentic memories over time. The rationale of the theory is to expound and help in understanding the interconnectedness of memory traces, past experiences and present representation.
The farmyard painting example by Martin and Deutscher (Carter 144, 148) depicts a detailed scene of the painter beliefs is imaginary. However, the painting is proven to have captured an existing farmyard which the painter had no previous knowledge about. A thorough overview of the painter’s past life experiences ascertains that he had the farm and therefore, the brain just reproduced the memory. As a result, Martin and Deutscher conclude that the painting was a memory without belief which supports the causative experiential memory theory, suggesting that a person may give rise to an idea that is essentially a memory. Still, he is not aware that it is a memory.
Recall refers to the retrieval of memories from the past and decoding them to a specific level of accuracy. Recall complicates memories of the causal theory through the representation memories with gaps filled with inaccurate information that a person believes to be factual (Carter 144, 148). The causal experiential memory theory defines memories as persistent traces of past experiences and events, which can also be embedded or detached from the brain. However, recall can give rise to nonexistent thoughts and treat them as actual memories.
Retrieval cues refer to the conscious or subconscious factors that help in activating associations that facilitate the retrieval of memories. Conscious memory cues are more consistent and genuine since they are enabled when the subject is fully aware. The types of conscious cues include context-dependent, state-dependent, and serial position effect memory (Perri 839, 841). The first cue is Context-dependent memories rely on the environment within which that a person learnt or experienced the subject in question, which states that the person will remember events or objects with a higher level of detail. Secondly, it is a state-dependent memory which relies on mood or behaviour state where a person can recognize accurately while in the same state of mind. Thirdly, is the serial position effect which refers to the order of presentation of information and asserts that information provided first and last is more comfortable to remember as opposed to the information provided in the middle. Research shows that the data retrieved during the named are more genuine with a higher affinity for accuracy.
The Aronowitz’memory study reveals that the memory retrieval process begins from the first time it is experienced as it goes through encoding, storage and retrieval processes. The methods refer to the stimulation of the sensory cortexes of the body and then transferred to the storage until the time of retrieval (MacDougall, and Myers 442). Recalling and recognition retrieval methods are often activated by events and occurrences associated with the stored information which happens irregularly through visualizing or hearing. Aronowitz’s recalling concept views memory retrieval concerning the mechanisms and structures making up the memory system which is continually activated by the subject’s mental or environmental factors.
The causal theory uses counterfactual analysis concept to explain memories logically. The counterfactual analysis attaches memories to conscious or a subconscious event experienced by a person. For instance, the report states that the occurrence of event B is caused by event A, which makes event A a priority upon event B is dependent. The theory is practical because of the logic and realism applied in the approach to the study of memory retrieval as proven by research studies (MacDougall, and Myers 442). The argument is reinforced by the garden painting memory example, otherwise known as the primal memory retrieval. Consequently, the causal approach focuses on the origin of the memory to determine the extraction of the same memory with optimum detail. Additionally, studies on the principle of origin show that the causal theory is substantiated by an experiment on two groups of people requested to memorize several selected words while underwater and on dry land. Both groups remembered more words within their respective environments from which they memorized the words than the different settings.
Memory preservationist
According to Burge’s memory preservationist concept, the retention of memory retains its justification of a belief regardless of whether it is stored or occurrent (Hariri, and Yayuk 7, 9). The development of theory creates a situation in which forgetting is possible but does not affect the storage of information adversely. The experiential and the preservative memory concepts share similarities such as access to forgotten memories through the various activation cues. However, the preservative memory approach states that forgetting evidence can be solved even if the memory was acquired subconsciously. Furthermore, the concept suggests that the memory preservation process is valid if the memory retention areas consist of components independent of the mind.
Burge’s memory de es elements argument asserts that memory is categorized into individual and collective aspects. Collective memories are shared across a culture or organization, while individual memories are internal, and they include semantic, episodic, explicit, procedural, priming and perceptual aspects. The personal memories are essential since they prevent loss of information through the forgotten evidence concept due to the attachment with the events, occurrences and experiences surrounding the memories. Additionally, more philosophers continue to view memory preservationism as opposed to anti-generativism, which states that memories preserve justifications for all relevant beliefs. Therefore the arguments on the structural mechanisms of memory retention continue to converge from the ideological perspective.
Intentional actions and reasoning
Intentional actions are perceived to be conscious and decisive since they are achieved by way of active engagement of human thought. A study conducted by Groff (299, 304) required the subjects to come up with examples of intentional actions in their lives. The models brought forward were significantly associated with positive outcomes, while adverse outcomes were linked to the unintentional consequences. As a result, the conclusion drawn is that the philosophical models developed for intentional behaviour often overlook an array of crucial aspects that people regard with essence to deliberate action. Therefore, the concept of intentional act significantly affects the memory retention theory due to the involvement of conscious thought.
Additionally, the reasoning is also practical as opposed to theoretical concerning the memory retention theory, because, similar to the intentional action, it involves thoughtful and decisive courses of action that eventually lead to the intended outcomes. In (Hariri, and Yayuk 11, 13) study on the significance of reasoning to memory retention suggests the results of a variety of manipulations and experimental stimuli indicate that reasoning involves empirical processing and comparison of evidence which leads categorization and recognition.
Reduction of identity memory
The individual memory de se elements make up a consistent memory retention mechanism in the human brain. The argument suggests that all experiences and occurrences are beliefs retained in mind, whether justifiable or otherwise. As a result, a person’s identity reduction action only guarantees a temporary positive outcome depending on the environment of the subject before and after the identity reduction process. The memory retrieval process is a repetitive process which revolves around the acquisition, encoding, and storage and retrieval information of information (Frise 74). The causal and experiential theories suggest that memories can be retrieved as long as the relevant stimuli are activated to trigger memories. The social psychology of the subject contributes significantly to the identity concept and characterized by traits that a person believes apply to themselves, such as male, singer, football player.
Quasi memory refers to the ability to recollect events and experiences from the past and is fundamental to personal identity. Similarly, a person is capable of assuming varying but regular identities effectively within a short period. The personalities may range from being a parent, a sister, an uncle. As a result, philosophers believed that the belief that characters are fixed is untrue. In fact, studies show that as much as quasi memory helps in maintaining personal identity, human identity is continuously changing (Hariri, and Yayuk 14, 15). Parfit’s revised account offers an example of a person being dismantled by a machine, then transmitted to Mars and reassembled again. Furthermore, Parfit gives an example of the possibility of a scanning machine that can scan and send a person to another planet posing the question on whether the person will be the same or a different being. The conclusion is that the subject will be the same person with a distinct identity. Parfit further explains that a person is made of many personalities that are psychologically connected to them and continue to survive the passage of time which makes people view themselves to remain relevantly the same. An example illustrating Parfit’s claim, as presented in the study is that a person is not the same as they were in childhood due to changes in age, preferences, tastes, and general perspectives.
The identity change approach leads to the question of personal responsibility, obligations and promise. According to Parfit, a person’s identity change remains interconnected with the people in a psychological fashion that also allow responsibilities, promises and commitments to evolve each day. For example, marriage vows are subconsciously renewed when the spouse keep their promises to each other by participating in the household chores which continue to old age. As a result, the psychological interconnections with personal identities leads to the development of more psychological interconnections with other people that share similar past experiential memories helping people to adapt conveniently.
Works Cited
Carter, J. Adam. “Robust Virtue Epistemology As Anti-Luck Epistemology: A New Solution”. Pacific Philosophical Quarterly, vol 97, no. 1, 2014, pp. 140-155. Wiley, doi:10.1111/papq.12040.
Frise, Matthew. “Preservationism In The Epistemology Of Memory”. The Philosophical Quarterly, 2016, p. pqw074. Oxford University Press (OUP), doi:10.1093/pq/pqw074.
Groff, Ruth. “Causal Mechanisms And The Philosophy Of Causation”. Journal For The Theory Of Social Behaviour, vol 47, no. 3, 2016, pp. 286-305. Wiley, doi:10.1111/jtsb.12118.
Hariri, Citra Apriovilita, and Erna Yayuk. “The Application Of Experiential Learning Model To Increase Students’ Comprehension In The Subject Material Of Light And Its Properties”. Scholaria: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan, vol 8, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-15. Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, doi:10.24246/j.js.2018.v8.i1.p1-15.
MacDougall, Robert, and Garry C. Myers. “A Study In Incidental Memory.”. The Journal Of Philosophy, Psychology And Scientific Methods, vol 11, no. 16, 1914, p. 442. JSTOR, doi:10.2307/2012411.
Perri, Trevor. “Bergson’s Philosophy Of Memory”. Philosophy Compass, vol 9, no. 12, 2014, pp. 837-847. Wiley, doi:10.1111/phc3.12179.