Non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness 忘 ( wang ) in ancient Chinese philosophical texts

Bibliographic Data

ID12905665
AuthorsGad C Isay (Tel Hai Academic College, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume15
Issue2
Pages465-479
Publication date2021-10-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMemory Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1750-6980 • E-ISSN: 1750-6999
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/17506980211044704
OpenAlexW3204699183
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited24

In this study, I examine conceptualizations of memory in classical Chinese philosophical texts with the purpose of encouraging the inclusion of ideas of non-Western cultures in memory studies. The texts selected for this study are Kongzi’s Analects, Mengzi, the Xici commentary on the Book of Changes, the Zhuangzi, and the Xunzi. Methodologically, I differentiate between the mnemic process and its goal. My point of departure is the complementary relation that marks the non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness sequence. This study proposes the paradigm of an axis and margins to represent the yin- yang reasoning implied by the complementary relation in conjunction with the narrativity of the mnemic process. Two major consequences of this model are the understanding of non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness in terms of attentive and suspended awareness, and the supportive role of forgetfulness or suspended awareness in enhancing the function of memory

Art · Cognitive science · Epistemology · Linguistics · Literature · Narrative · Narrativity · Relation (database · Chinese history and philosophy · Computer Science · Indian and Buddhist Studies · Japanese History and Culture · Philosophy · Psychology

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