The growing science of memory manipulation
scientificamerican.com
The growing science of memory manipulation
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Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#2This is a provocative experiment, both in terms of the results and certain elements of the employed experimental techniques.
What I found particularly interesting is that it elicits a consideration of what is memory. Is the association of stimulus-response a 'memory'? (Where does that leave 'instinct'?)
One could argue that the experiment has created an artificial 'instinct' and not 'memory' given that there was no 'experience'. If one were to counter that the invasive (modifying) preparatory steps of the experiment are "the experience", then we have discarded the 'body' entirely and are in the realm of brains in vat conception of 'consciousness', since we are asserting that direct manipulation of brain is functionally equivalent to 'phenomena' as experienced through the mediation of the body, the sensory apparatus, and the nervous system.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#3[deleted]
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#4Just because an animal can't tell the difference between the real and artificial memory does not mean a human couldn't do the same.
Using animals in research is generally inaccurate.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#5This seems less like an artificial memory and more like a real memory of an artificial experience.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#6Just because an animal can't tell the difference between the real and artificial memory does not mean a human couldn't do the same. Using animals in research is generally inaccurate.
A human is just an animal.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#7The next most interesting direction the researchers could go would be if deletion is possible. I’m assuming the question of deletion being even possible would be amazing to find certainty. I’m speculating for an existing memory to be deleted, it has to be rewritten and thus typical deletion is impossible without rewriting. Once all this is perfected, the future technology of brain interface for humans will have even more potential. We’re going to be able to interact with our minds as we do everyday with computers. Very exciting!
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#8Just because an animal can't tell the difference between the real and artificial memory does not mean a human couldn't do the same. Using animals in research is generally inaccurate.
Given that we know for decades about falsified or inaccurate human memories for decades, I am not quite so sure.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#9The mere possibility of tampering with memory is indeed the most dangerous thing that could happen to humanity. Imagine not being able to believe your own memory.
In fact we don't have to imagine, I believe I've been subjected to "mass gaslighting" on multiple occasions recently on the internet : some piece of information I'm sure I saw on the internet suddenly completely disappears. Google + Facebook + "right to be forgotten" type of policy, make for a very dangerous power never experienced before by humanity.
Re: The growing science of memory manipulation
#10The mere possibility of tampering with memory is indeed the most dangerous thing that could happen to humanity. Imagine not being able to believe your own memory. In fact we don't have to imagine, I believe I've been subjected to "mass gaslighting" on multiple occasions recently on the internet : some piece of information I'm sure I saw on the internet suddenly completely disappears. Google + Facebook + "right to be…
It also complicates the legal system as it exists today. The fact that artificial memory can be induced in someone's brain makes believing a witness a lot harder. So in addition to social and ethical concerns, it also upends the legal system.