Memory as Philosophy - The Theory and Practice of Philosophical Recollection

Dustin Peone argues that memory is the foundation of philosophical thought, tracing its significance from ancient Greece to Renaissance Europe and analyzing its role in the works of Montaigne and Hegel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

Dustin Peone contends that memory serves as the cornerstone of philosophical inquiry. This assertion may appear unusual to a modern reader, but it has been recognized by philosophers since before Socrates. Peone promotes a philosophy of memory that connects philosophical recollection to the wisdom of the Muses, the daughters of Memory, who sing of the past, present, and future.

Part One of this work explores the contributions of philosophers ranging from Cicero to Vico to Bergson, elucidating the meaning and significance of memory. Peone perceives memory not merely as a psychological phenomenon but as the key to metaphysical and moral reasoning.

Part Two delves into the philosophical history of memory. Peone provides an overview of its role as both a speculative and technical instrument from ancient Greece through Renaissance Europe. However, with the rise of modernity and the critical philosophy of Descartes, the memory tradition faces criticism. Why did this occur? Was it accidental? Can a philosophical system be grounded in memory after Descartes?

In the final chapters, Montaigne and Hegel are analyzed as practitioners of memory as philosophy in the modern world. Through their writings, they demonstrate how memory can be employed as a tool for philosophical inquiry and exploration.

In conclusion, Dustin Peone's work offers a compelling argument that memory is the foundation of philosophical thought. By tracing the historical development of memory and examining the contributions of philosophers, he demonstrates the significance of memory in shaping our understanding of the world. Through the analysis of Montaigne and Hegel, Peone shows how memory can be practiced as a philosophy in the contemporary world, offering a fresh perspective on the nature of knowledge and reality.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 213 x 261 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838213361