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The Truth About Memory and Identity

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Book cover Neuroethics and the Scientific Revision of Common Sense

Part of the book series: Studies in Brain and Mind ((SIBM,volume 11))

Abstract

The moral condemnation of memory modifying technologies (MMTs) often relies on the view that memory provides a veridical representation of the past and that it can be used to ground personal identity. In this chapter, I present a range of studies that substantiate the claim that autobiographical memory is unreliable and cannot be used to ground narrative identity. I use this evidence to argue that MMTs that have the potential to alter autobiographical memory do not jeopardize personal identity. Given its flexibility, I argue, narrative identity can be maintained despite changes in memory. I further argue that maintenance of particular memories is not required for authenticity. Because of the spontaneous fluctuations of each person’s character traits, values, and preferences over time, I claim that first-person endorsement of core traits or the identification of core memories as formative of narrative identity is required to establish one’s true self. In addition, I dispute the argument that memory modification poses a challenge to authenticity and provide examples of instances where such modification can promote authenticity.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    My review of the scientific literature on memory is limited by my goal of assessing the argument that memory modifying technology could disrupt narrative identity.

  2. 2.

    For additional studies on retroactive interference, see Green (1992), pp. 154–156.

  3. 3.

    A study by Jin-Hee Han et al. (2009) achieved the circumscribed erasure of a single memory using a toxin to destroy particular neurons. The study was done on mice.

  4. 4.

    This is not to argue that we are responsible only for those features of ourselves that we endorse. One is responsible for being a murderer, liar, or cheater even when we do not regard those traits as part of our selves.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

    Nada Gligorov

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  1. Nada Gligorov
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Gligorov, N. (2016). The Truth About Memory and Identity. In: Neuroethics and the Scientific Revision of Common Sense . Studies in Brain and Mind, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-0965-9_5

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