Carl Craver, Ph.D.
Professor, Philosophy
Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology Program, Washington University in St. Louis

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Amnesia and the Ordinary Conception of Time

Abstract: The thesis that the “ordinary conception of time” requires the capacity for episodic memory is common in neuroscience and philosophy alike. In neuropsychology, this thesis is expressed in the contrapositive thesis that people with episodic amnesia are “trapped in time.” In philosophy, it is expressed as the thesis episodic memory is a constitutive of developmental requirement for thinking and reasoning about time. Here I reconsider the neuropsychological thesis in light of evidence from my work with Shayna Rosenbaum to study people with episodic amnesia. I argue that people with episodic amnesia have temporal concepts, preferences, and decision-making quirks as neurotypical controls. I conclude by suggesting possible sources of the ordinary conception of time besides episodic memory.

Zoom: https://arizona.zoom.us/j/82625841652