Single Idea 15703

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 4. Memory]

Full Idea

Memory is notorious for conforming to theory (rather than memory being a neutral source of information).

Gist of Idea

Memories often conform to a theory, rather than being neutral

Source

Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 09 'Theory')

Book Reference

Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.269


A Reaction

This observation by a psychologist is music to sceptics about objectivity. Memory is so fundamental to our basic epistemology that it could even be the nature of thought itself.