A Philosophical Approach to Memory

Abstract

This book investigates the fascinating concept of a continuum between human memory and memory of materials. The first part provides state-of-the-art information on shape memory alloys and outlines a brief history of memory from the ancient Greeks to the present day, describing phenomenological, philosophical, and technical approaches such as neuroscience. Then, using a wealth of anecdotes, data from academic literature, and original research, this short book discusses the concepts of post-memory, memristors and forgiveness, highlights the analogies between materials defects and memory traces in the human brain. Lastly, it tackles questions of how human memory and memory of materials work together and interact. With insights from materials mechanics, neuroscience and philosophy, it enables readers to understand and continue this open debate on human memory. An attempt to define memory -- How has memory been visited over time? -- How does memory work? -- A philosophical approach to memory -- Materials have memory -- Paul Ricoeur: "Memory, History, Forgetfulness" -- Memory and forgetfulness: from psychoanalysis to neuroscience -- Forgiveness -- Post-memory -- Conclusions.