Single Idea 21305

[catalogued under 16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 2. Mental Continuity / a. Memory is Self]

Full Idea

The memory not only discovers the identity [of the mind], but also contributes to its production, by producing the relation of resemblance among the perceptions

Gist of Idea

Memory not only reveals identity, but creates it, by producing resemblances

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.6)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.261


A Reaction

This is Hume battling to explain personal identity by his principles of association. He discount 'contiguity'. He doesn't explain how memory creates resemblances. Is not resemblance of idea to fact required in order to remember?

Related Idea

Idea 21306 Causation unites our perceptions, by producing, destroying and modifying each other [Hume]