Project Details
Projekt
The bi-directional self-memory dynamics: a conceptual framework
Applicant
Professor Dr. Albert Newen
Subject Area
Theoretical Philosophy
Term
since 2019
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397530566
The overall aim of this project is to provide an adequate description of the self-memory dynamics. The project will build on our results from the first funding period and can be divided into three parts. First, we aim to develop an integrative account of episodic memory functionality which forms an important constraint on self-memory dynamics. We will show that the interrelation of three commonly distinguished functions of episodic memory (self-, social- and directive function) can be elucidated by conceptualizing the core function of episodic memory as being a flexible situation-guiding functional role. On the one hand, we adopt a situated cognition perspective on memory and investigate memory phenomena with the presupposition of an action-memory-perception coupling. On the other hand, we rely on previous work, the person model theory, which involves self-models, person-models of other people and situational models; this account will be used to explain the flexible changes concerning memory functionality in varying situations.Second, we aim to further clarify the self-model in memory processes in a way that allows for implementation by means of computational modelling. For this purpose, we will go beyond existing accounts of self-memory dynamics and widen the concept of the self-model with respect to content (and distinguish between situational-, ideal- and ought-self models) and duration (and distinguish between long-term, dispositional and (temporal-)situational self-models). Focusing on the temporal duration first, we have a clear working hypothesis to model the role of the self-model in the group’s computational model of episodic memory (P5 and P2). Furthermore, to improve the theoretical framework for measuring neural correlates of episodic recall, we aim to develop an account of representational formats that allows for adequately characterize different levels of neural correlates (e.g. visceral/sensorimotor, perceptual, conceptual/semantic and narrative) of memory contents. This view should (in the future) be applicable to the self-model.Third, we will elaborate on the role of social aspects of the self-model in episodic recall with a focus to work out the interrelation between the expectations in social interactions and the self-model (together with P1, P8 and P9). For this we combine the the paradigm of Shared Reality with the aforementioned person-model theory as well as with our account of how the narrative self influences episodic recall from the first funding phase. This allows us to investigate the selection processes that operate within Shared Reality construction. In particular we focus on the role of shared relevance of central aspects in a situation, which we will investigate by elucidating the influence of social rules in the form of shared narratives.
DFG Programme
Research Units
Co-Investigator
Professor Dr. Nikolai Axmacher
