Thinking About the Past and Experiencing the Past. (1st February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Debus, Dorothea
• Is Part Of: Mind & language. Volume 28:Number 1(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2013-02-01
• Subjects: Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 153.42
• DOI: 10.1111/mila.12006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-1064

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The present article aims to show that a subject can only fully grasp the concept of the past if she has some experiential, or recollective, memories of particular past events. More specifically, I argue that (1) in order for a subject to understand the concept of the past, it is necessary that the subject understand the concept of a particular past event in such a way that it might contribute to her understanding of the concept of the past. (2) But then, in order for a subject to understand the concept of a particular past event in such a way that it might contribute to her understanding of the concept of the past, it is necessary that the subject have some recollective memories of particular past events. (C) Hence, a subject can only understand the concept of the past if she has some recollective memories of particular past events. I defend the premises of the present argument against various objections, indicate why we should accept both premises, and accordingly end by endorsing the argument's conclusion.</p> </abstract>