Doudja Boumaza
Affiliation: Centre for philosophy of memory, Grenoble Alpes University
Category: Philosophy
Keywords: episodic memory functions, biological functions, multiple functions, generalized selected effects theory, multiple cognitive system, evolutionary pressures
Date: Thursday 4th of September
Time: 15:00
Location: GSSR Plenary Hall (268)
View the full session: Memory
The multiple functions of episodic memory.
Episodic memory, particularly its evolutionary functions, has undergone significant reevaluation in the last two decades (Addis et al., 2007; Szpunar, 2007). While traditionally viewed as a cognitive system solely dedicated to the retention of past experiences, contemporary research has significantly altered this view. Notably, scholars such as Addis et al. (2007) and Szpunar (2007) have shown that episodic memory not only preserves past events but also facilitates the projection of future possibilities. I argue that this dual function reconfigures our understanding of memory as an adaptive system. I argue that the complexity of episodic memory stems from its multiple, concurrent functions, shaped by various adaptive pressures throughout human evolution. Drawing from a Darwinian framework of cognitive functions, where the primary goal of any cognitive system is to enhance survival and reproduction (Garson, 2016), I propose that episodic memory has been shaped by a variety of evolutionary pressures, encompassing not only biological needs but also social and cultural factors. I will argue that episodic memory functions simultaneously in several capacities that complement and sometimes overlap with one another. Thus, the adaptive role of episodic memory extends far beyond merely storing past experiences for future reference. I will demonstrate that episodic memory operates simultaneously in several distinct capacities that are often interrelated and complementary. My main argument is that episodic memory is not a singular, unitary cognitive mechanism but rather a multifaceted system serving multiple, sometimes independent, but often coextensive functions. Among these, we find epistemic functions—those related to self-knowledge and personal identity reconstruction—collective functions, which facilitate the sharing of experiences within social groups, preservative functions, which concern the retention of the past, and generative functions, which focus on the projection of future scenarios (Schwartz, 2020; Boyle & Brown, 2024). While these functions may appear distinct, they are in fact coextensive, meaning that the process of retaining past memories (preservative) can seamlessly integrate with the cognitive processes responsible for projecting future possibilities (generative). The co-occurrence of these functions underscores the flexibility and plasticity of episodic memory, a feature central to its evolutionary success (Anderson, 2010). A key aspect of this presentation is the defense of the multiple approach to episodic memory functions through the application of the theory of generalized selected effects (Garson, 2016). I’ll use this theoretical framework as a methodological tool to expand our analysis of memory’s evolutionary functions by incorporating not only natural selection but also the selective pressures imposed by social and cultural dynamics. For example, the communicative function of episodic memory, which allows individuals to share personal experiences, may have been selected for its role in strengthening social bonds, facilitating cooperation, and enhancing the transmission of knowledge within human groups (Mahr & Csibra, 2018). By adopting this broader perspective, I will defend that we can better understand how episodic memory evolved not only to address individual survival needs but also to fulfill crucial social roles in increasingly complex cognitive and social environments. I will therefore defend my thesis of the multiple functions of episodic memory by relying on the following arguments : 1. Recent research in neuroplasticity argue that neural structures can be reused for different purposes (Anderson 2010), which strongly supports this multiple view of episodic memory. I argue that neural structures involved in episodic memory are reused for novel cognitive functions, such as future planning or mental simulation of alternative scenarios. For example, Addis & Schacter (2007) or Spuznar & al. (2007) demonstrated that the same neural circuits used to retain past experiences are also repurposed for prospective tasks. This functional reorganization highlights the flexibility inherent in episodic memory and reinforces its adaptive value in a constantly changing world. I claim that this ability to repurpose neural structures for diverse functions is a testament to the dynamic nature of episodic memory and its capacity to respond to both immediate and long-term survival needs. 2/ I will focus on the evolution of cognitive capacities related to episodic memory. I will argue that certain more primitive functions, such as mental time travel and mental navigation (Allan & Fortin, 2013), which are shared with other species, evolved in humans to support more complex cognitive tasks. These capacities, central to episodic memory, likely emerged to facilitate advanced behaviors such as anticipating regret or engaging in strategic decision-making during future social interactions (Suddendorf & Corballis, 2007). By tracing the evolutionary development of these capacities, I will argue that episodic memory has undergone successive waves of selective pressure, each broadening its functional range beyond mere storage of past events. Finally, while the multiple approach to episodic memory has garnered increasing support (Schwartz 2020 ; Boyle & Brown 2024), objections against this view have been raised. One of them is that this expansive view dilutes the explanatory power of episodic memory, leading to a lack of clear criteria for distinguishing between relevant evolutionary functions. I reject this objection and I defend that the diversity of functions served by episodic memory is, in fact, its strength. The multiplicity of functions that episodic memory has served throughout evolutionary history necessitates a flexible and multifaceted framework. Rather than undermining our understanding, this diversity underscores the complexity of the cognitive system. I claim that the capacity of episodic memory to address a wide range of adaptive needs—whether biological, social, or cognitive—reaffirms its central role in human survival and adaptation.