Metaphors of Memory: A History of Ideas about the Mind

by Douwe Draaisma, Paul Vincent

Overview

What is memory? Without memory we lose our sense of identity, reasoning, even our ability to perform simple physical tasks. Yet it is elusive and difficult to define, and throughout the ages philosophers and psychologists have used metaphors as a way of understanding it. This fascinating book takes the reader on a guided tour of these metaphors of memory from ancient times to the present day, exploring the way metaphors often derived from the techniques and instruments developed to store information such as wax tablets, books, photography, computers and even the hologram.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521650243
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/07/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	1,168,304
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The mystic writing-pad; 2. Memoria: memory as writing; 3. The splendour of the Bologna Stone; 4. A vast labyrinth; 5. A mirror with a memory; 6. Digital memory; 7. Holographic memory; 8. An enchanted loom; 9. The homunculus.

Editorial Reviews

"...a tremendously valuable addition for psychologists and other scientists interested in the history of human thought about memory. In fact, it should be considered required reading for students of human memory." Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books

"...fascinating, informative, accessible and highly recommended to students of psychology and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the nature of memory and its relationship to the human mind." Wisconsin Bookwatch

"...this is an intellectually sophisticated book, rich in insight and detail." The Economist

"...clear, measured prose and a well-paced narrative flow...Draaisma constructs an elegant serie of arguments concerning the wider social and philosophical imperatives driving scientists and thinkers to view the mind in certain lights....Together Douwe Draaisma and Cambridge University Press have produced a book of high quality. Extensively referenced and illustrated, impeccably rendered from Dutch to English and fully indexed, this work transcends what could be the narrow discipline of the history of psychology...I should point out that it is simply a good book to read!" Leonardo Reviews

"A finely illustrated 'history of ideas about the mind' ...What it does superbly well, but not explicitly, is to tell us why this topic is important to the philosophy of mind and consciousness." The Midwest Book Review

"The book provides needed historical context to many of the current debates within the field of cognitive psychology. The volume wil be of particular interest to students and instructors of cognitive psychology and history of psychology looking for readable supplements." Choice

From the Publisher

Douwe Draaisma is a lecturer in the history of psychology at the University of Groningen. In Metaphors Of Memory: A History Of Ideas About The Mind he explores what memory is, how it is ephemeral, unreliable, and yet essential to everything a person does. Without memory we lose ability to perform simple physical tasks. Memory is elusive to define and from antiquity attempts to discuss or describe it have relied on metaphor. Draaisma provides the reader with a kind of guided tour of these metaphors throughout the ages and presents a compelling, scholarly history of ideas about the mind by exploring the ways these metaphors have been employed. Metaphors Of Memory: is fascinating, informative, accessible, and highly recommended to students of psychology and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the nature of memory and its relationship to the human mind.