Single Idea 4919

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

Full Idea

It has become clear from research that there is no clear dividing line between a memory and a thought.

Gist of Idea

There seems to be no dividing line between a memory and a thought

Source

Rita Carter (Mapping the Mind [1998], p.308)

Book Reference

Carter,Rita: 'Mapping the Mind' [Phoenix 2000], p.308


A Reaction

This always struck me as an obvious criticism of Descartes, when he claimed that memory was not an essential part of the 'thinking thing'. How can you think or understand without memory of the different phases of your thoughts? No memory, no mind!

Related Idea

Idea 6668 If the present does not exist, then consciousness must be memory of the immediate past [Marshall]