Cognitive Dissonance of Memory -- A Philosophy of Mind and Reality

(Subcategory On Memory, Nostalgia and the Unconscious)

Introduction

Explore the fascinating concept of cognitive dissonance in memory and its effects on our perception of reality with this introductory guide to the philosophy of mind. Memory, a cornerstone of human existence, shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. But what happens when our memories are unreliable, conflicting, or outright false? This article dives into the perplexing terrain of memory's imperfections and the profound philosophical questions they raise.

The Concept of Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. People tend to seek consistency in their attitudes and perceptions, so this conflict causes unpleasant feelings of unease or discomfort. -- Very-Well Mind

This phenomenon extends beyond beliefs and attitudes into the realm of memory, where conflicting recollections or feelings about past events can create significant internal tension. At the heart of this discussion is the question: How do we navigate the discrepancies between what we remember and what is objectively true or what is known as or truth from illusion....?

The Nature of True and False Memories

A true memory is something that actually happened in reality. It serves as a record of our lived experiences and helps us construct a coherent narrative of who we are. On the other hand, a false memory might either be true in imagination (a vision, a dream, and so on) or a complete delusion.

When a memory is true in imagination, you must recognize it as such, no matter how "true" it feels. This act of recognition is essential for maintaining a clear boundary between reality and fiction. A delusional memory, however, deceives you into believing it is real. This is where the problem lies: when emotions cloud our ability to discern reality, we risk making decisions based on flawed information.

Memory is an essential function in our lives. It enables us to better understand who we are, distinguish truth from falsehood, and navigate the world with a sense of coherence. Yet, as cognitive dissonance in memory demonstrates, our thoughts and feelings can easily delude us.

The Gray Area of Uncertainty

Between cognitively dissonant memories, some I can clearly tell never happened, even though I "feel" the "concreteness" of their reality. However, with others, I cannot definitively determine whether they were dreams or events that happened outside my mind.

Such situations are rarely black and white. Philosophy teaches us that truth exists, but our uncertainty muddies the waters. It is our responsibility to strive for clarity, especially if we value the pursuit of truth, which lies at the core of philosophical inquiry. Logic and rationality, as unexciting as they may seem, are indispensable tools for discerning reality from illusion.

Nostalgia for the Unreal

Recently, I've been feeling nostalgic for a memory that I know never happened. It is a "memory" because I can recall it vividly as a visual scene. In this quasi-memory, I see myself late at night, playing an old video game console with a game I've never seen before. I know this memory is false because I never owned that console, and for some inexplicable reason, I am wearing glasses in this memory, even though I've never needed them.

Despite its falsity, this memory evokes a profound sense of nostalgia, as if I were an adult in the late 20th century. Yet, I was born in the 1990s and could never have been an adult in that era. The mathematical impossibility underscores its falseness, but the emotional weight remains.

This paradox captures the essence of cognitive dissonance in memory: the simultaneous recognition of a memory's falsity and its emotional reality or what is known as a cognitive dissonance.

Feel free to correct me in case I was wrong in this definition.

The Chaos Within

My ex-mentor once said, "Things that are irrational do not exist in reality." Yet, the existence of absurdity and irrationality in both the external world and our internal lives challenges this assertion. Chaos, often deemed illogical, is a natural feature of the universe. It builds and destroys, shaping planets and, by extension, life itself.

Order stemming from chaos reinforces the coexistence of the two. The chaos within us—our repressed thoughts, emotions, and false memories—parallels the chaos of the cosmos. For those of us whose work depends on rationality, such as philosophers, managing this internal chaos is crucial.

Philosophy as a Tool for Clarity

Philosophy, rooted in rationalism, provides a framework for navigating the absurdities of existence. While empiricism relies on external observation, rationalism emphasizes internal contemplation. Through philosophy, I have learned to question my memories and accept their fallibility.

For instance, as a child, I believed I was "kidnapped" by two girls for a nighttime social event. My mother later assured me this was impossible, a product of my imagination or a dream. Despite its impossibility, this memory feels as real as any other. Such experiences highlight the unreliability of memory and the importance of external demonstration.

Similarly, I once "remembered" my past reincarnations: as a bear trapped in the wild, a comedian assassinated on stage, and more. These memories, though vivid, are clearly fictional. Yet, they reflect the mind's ability to construct detailed narratives that feel authentic.

Practical Lessons from Memory's Imperfections

Memory's imperfections remind us of the value of evidence and external verification. For example, I maintain a certain cover-up to help me recognize my own face, as my autistic perception makes self-recognition challenging. This simple act grounds me in reality, counteracting the deceptive nature of memory.

Our dependency on memory, while essential, is fraught with challenges. False memories can lead to self-doubt, confusion, and poor decision-making. By cultivating rationality and seeking external validation, we can mitigate these risks and maintain a clearer grasp on reality.

Conclusion

Memory, despite its sacred role in our lives, is far from perfect. Its flaws—forgetfulness, falsehood, and emotional distortion—underscore the need for critical thinking and self-awareness. Philosophy offers a means to navigate these imperfections, enabling us to distinguish truth from illusion.

As part of this endeavor, we must embrace rationality and evidence; tools that help us remain anchored in reality. For some, philosophy may seem impractical, but for others, it is a lifeline—a means to preserve clarity in an often chaotic world. By understanding and addressing the cognitive dissonance of memory, we take a step closer to understanding ourselves and the universe we inhabit.