Memory Modification and Authenticity: A Narrative Approach

Abstract

The potential of memory modification techniques (MMTs) has raised concerns and sparked a debate in neuroethics, particularly in the context of identity and authenticity. This paper addresses the question whether and how MMTs influence authenticity. I proceed by drawing two distinctions within the received views on authenticity. From this, I conclude that an analysis of MMTs based on a dual-basis, process view of authenticity is warranted, which implies that the influence of MMTs on authenticity crucially depends on the specifics of how memory modification would eventually work. Therefore, I continue with a systematic analysis of possible properties of MMTs in which I distinguish between the dimensions of memories and the kinds of experiences that can be modified as well as the properties of the process of memory modification. The impact of MMTs on authenticity is analyzed regarding the possible properties of MMTs and based on a narrative approach to authenticity which fulfills the requirements of a dual-basis, process view of authenticity. Lastly, I explore the potential of MMTs to shift the balance between self-discovery and self-creation within authenticity and thereby alter the concept itself as well as the value of authenticity.

The Ethics of Memory Modification: Personal Narratives, Relational Selves and Autonomy

“…Moreover, in contrast to recent works attempting to analyze the normative implications of MMTs in the light of the concept of authenticity that would "take relational nature of personal identity seriously" [8,14,53], I argue, following Mackenzie and Walker 1 PTSD is a psychological disorder which has dramatic consequences for a daily life of affected person. It is characterized by heightened noradrenergic signaling [30], highly disruptive traumatic memories, avoidance, and increased arousal and stress response [31].…”

“…He would just genuinely feel like being outgoing. However, this raises serious issues of conformity, which would contradict a further pillar of authenticity: that we should not bend to the will of other people to fit in but be ourselves" [14]. Similarly, Iftode, Zorila, Vica, Mihailov (2022) claim in concluding remarks of their recent discussion on the ethics of MMTs in the light of their experimental relational account of authenticity that: "However, the inescapable experimental side of authenticity makes us avoid confusing one's personal identity with a social and narrative construct that only bears the mark of social pressure and conformism.…”

“…On the other hand, if Tarana decides to undergo the intervention of selective erasure or deactivation 14 of the episodic memories of her traumatic experiences (e.g., with the use of optogenetic-like technology), such a memory-modifying procedure may prove unsuccessful in infringing the emotional component of these memories, as the emotionality of the memory seems to be consolidated in an independent nondeclarative memory system in the form of associative memory with different neuronal underpinnings [92]. Thus, although Tarana could not consciously recollect her trauma as she previously did, she may remain with dormant disposition to experience emotional horror when the adequate cue is present.…”

Effectiveness of the FHaCE Up! Program on School Violence, School Climate, Conflict Management Styles, and Socio-Emotional Skills on Secondary School Students

“…Regarding peer support programs, socio-emotional and communication skills such as empathy, assertiveness, and active listening have been proven to be great techniques for tackling conflict resolution [9]. While empathy and social skills have shown small effect sizes, active listening presented a moderate-to-strong effect, which could be because this skill was demonstrated twice, during the first and second training, so students could have achieved a greater comprehension of how to use it, and what to use it for [76]. In addition, these types of programs foster a more collaborative school system, which is related to reductions in adversarial and avoidant styles and strengthens affective bonds among peers [77].…”

Can you remember silence? Epigenetic memory and reversibility as a site of intervention

“…Leuenberger argues that this new equilibration will result in modified self‐narrative processes that would negate the ways in which we develop alongside our experiences. [ 36 ] Importantly, the memory modifying technologies discussed by social science and humanities scholars operate on the assumption that erasing a memory (or its emotional charge, in the case of Propranolol) and its effects would result in an unmarred person in the present. The resulting silence that is imagined would have consequences from behavioral to emotional levels.…”