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Single Idea 23660
[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 4. Memory
]
Full Idea
The theory concerning ideas, so generally received by philosophers, destroys all the authority of memory. …This theory made it necessary for them to find out arguments to prove the existence of external objects …and of things past.
Gist of Idea
The theory of ideas, popular with philosophers, means past existence has to be proved
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 6: Judgement [1785], 5)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.271
A Reaction
Reid was a very articulate direct realist. He seems less aware than the rest of us of the problem of delusions and false memories. Our strong sense that immediate memories are reliable is certainly inexplicable.
Related Idea
Idea 6486
Ideas are the objects of understanding when we think [Locke]
The
37 ideas
with the same theme
[memory as source and preserver of knowledge]:
9067
|
Many memories of the same item form a single experience
[Aristotle]
|
2665
|
How can there be a memory of what is false?
[Cicero]
|
18452
|
Memory is not conserved images, but reproduction of previous thought
[Porphyry]
|
22977
|
I can distinguish different smells even when I am not experiencing them
[Augustine]
|
22980
|
Memory contains innumerable principles of maths, as well as past sense experiences
[Augustine]
|
22982
|
Why does joy in my mind make me happy, but joy in my memory doesn't?
[Augustine]
|
22981
|
Mind and memory are the same, as shown in 'bear it in mind' or 'it slipped from mind'
[Augustine]
|
22983
|
We would avoid remembering sorrow or fear if that triggered the emotions afresh
[Augustine]
|
23660
|
The theory of ideas, popular with philosophers, means past existence has to be proved
[Reid]
|
23643
|
We all trust our distinct memories (but not our distinct imaginings)
[Reid]
|
23644
|
Without memory we could have no concept of duration
[Reid]
|
20250
|
We may be unable to remember, but we may never actually forget
[Nietzsche]
|
23197
|
Memory is essential, and is only possible by means of abbreviation signs
[Nietzsche]
|
23719
|
Forgetfulness is a strong positive ability, not mental laziness
[Nietzsche]
|
24115
|
There is no proof that we forget things - only that we can't recall
[Nietzsche]
|
22220
|
The phenomena of memory are given in the present, but as being past
[Husserl, by Bernet]
|
21854
|
Bergson showed that memory is not after the event, but coexists with it
[Bergson, by Deleuze]
|
2792
|
It is possible the world came into existence five minutes ago, complete with false memories
[Russell]
|
5414
|
Images are not memory, because they are present, and memories are of the past
[Russell]
|
21500
|
We rely on memory for empirical beliefs because they mutually support one another
[Lewis,CI]
|
21501
|
If we doubt memories we cannot assess our doubt, or what is being doubted
[Lewis,CI]
|
18734
|
If you remember wrongly, then there must be some other criterion than your remembering
[Wittgenstein]
|
3493
|
Memory is mainly a guide for current performance
[Searle]
|
3101
|
Memories are not just preserved, they are constantly reinferred
[Harman]
|
2787
|
Memories aren't directly about the past, because time-lags and illusions suggest representation
[Dancy,J]
|
2788
|
If perception and memory are indirect, then two things stand between mind and reality
[Dancy,J]
|
2790
|
I can remember plans about the future, and images aren't essential (2+3=5)
[Dancy,J]
|
2791
|
Phenomenalism about memory denies the past, or reduces it to present experience
[Dancy,J]
|
23304
|
The ancient Memorists said virtually all types of thinking could be done simply by memory
[Sorabji]
|
23303
|
Stoics say true memory needs reflection and assent, but animals only have perceptual recognition
[Sorabji]
|
2724
|
I might remember someone I can't recall or image, by recognising them on meeting
[Audi,R]
|
2725
|
To remember something is to know it
[Audi,R]
|
7513
|
Is memory stored in protein sequences, neurons, synapses, or synapse-strengths?
[Pinker]
|
4919
|
There seems to be no dividing line between a memory and a thought
[Carter,R]
|
6667
|
There are memories of facts, memories of practical skills, and autobiographical memory
[Lowe]
|
3759
|
You can acquire new knowledge by exploring memories
[Bernecker/Dretske]
|
15703
|
Memories often conform to a theory, rather than being neutral
[Gelman]
|