Memory and the Self

The idea that our memories, in some sense, make us who we are, is a common one-and not at all implausible. After all, what could make us who we are if not the things we have experienced, thought, felt and desired on these idiosyncratic pathways through space and time that we call lives? And how can we retain these experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires if not through memory? On the other hand, most of what we have experienced has been forgotten. And there is nowa considerable body of evidence that suggests that, even when we think we remember, our memories are likely to be distorted, sometimes beyond recognition. Imagine writing your autobiography, only to find that that most of it has been redacted, and much of the rest substantially rewritten. What wouldhold this book together? What would make it the unified and coherent account of a life?The answer, Mark Rowlands argues, lies, partially hidden, in a largely unrecognized form of memory-Rilkean memory. A Rilkean memory is produced when the content of a memory is lost but the act of remembering endures, in a new, mutated, form: a mood, a feeling, or a behavioral disposition. Rilkean memories play a significant role in holding the self together in the face of the poverty and inaccuracy of the contents of memory. But Rilkean memories are important not just because of whatthey are, but also because of what they were before they became such memories. Acts of remembering sculpt the contents of memories out of the slabs of remembered episodes. Our acts of remembering ensure that we are in the content of each of our memories-present in the way a sculptor is present in hiscreation-even when this content is lamentably sparse and endemically inaccurate.

I find Rolands' book to be an innovative and thoughtful analysis of memory and its relationship to self; one that I would recommend as a useful addition to a philosophical practitioner's collection., Memory and the Self is an intriguing account of forms of memory and the role they play in making us who we are. It makes a significant contribution to our understanding episodic memory, and elucidates how, over and beyond our episodic memories Rilkean memories may help hold the self together over time., Memory and the Self is a fascinating book that has all the qualities of good philosophical writing... a very pleasant book to read that truly deserves to be read, reread, and discussed by those interested in philosophy of mind and in memory., Rowlands' view is quite innovative and original, and he skillfully combines his views on phenomenology, literary studies, philosophy of mind, and the empirical psychology...Memory and the Self is a recommendable book, on account of Rowlands' original philosophical views, as well as his lively literary style.

Mark Rowlands is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami. He is the author of eighteen books and over a hundred journal articles, chapters and reviews, and his work has been translated into more than twenty languages. His memoir, The Philosopher and the Wolf, became an international bestseller.