Associate Professor of Behavioral Science, Cognitive Psychology, Emotional Psychology

KOBAYASHI Masanori

 “Remembering” as re-experiencing events

Time travel—going from the present to the past or the future—has been the subject of many works. “Memory” is one of the mental functions that pertains to this kind of time travel. When you hear the word "memory," you may think of memorization or tests. For example, try to remember the most fun you have ever had in your life. It is possible that you will not only remember what you did, but that you will also distinctly feel the way you felt at that time. Recalling personal experiences involves the sensation of "re-experiencing" past events.

The past, as seen from the present

Sometimes, there may be events that felt painful at the time, such as studying for an exam or the end of a relationship, but in hindsight, they give you a different impression. You could say that in your mind, your “present” self is jumping to the "past" and re-experiencing the event. From these two points of view—the feeling of re-experiencing something, and the past, as seen from the present—remembering past experiences is said to be mental time travel.

What are the roles and functions of memory?

I would like to clarify the capabilities and roles of the mind's function of memory, which has these sorts of characteristics.