In his lecture at the University of British Columbia, Daniel L. Schacter identifies the similarities between the neuroanatomical mechanisms of memory and imagination. In particular, the scholar draws parallels between these processes by addressing the recorded activity of specific brain structures when “remembering the past and imagining the future” (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 13:02). That is to say, recollection and imagination demonstrate a unique affinity. This relationship has a particular conceptual explanation, which rests on the mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation.
First of all, it is necessary to observe that our episodic memory is “a constructive process,” rather than a precise replica of past events (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 05:44). In other words, when we recall something, the recollection is not stored in our brain but is immediately constructed out of fragments of past experiences, feelings, and thoughts. This fact is evidenced by the phenomenon of false memory when, for instance, a witness misidentifies a suspect due to an erroneous combination of details. There are numerous examples of laboratory studies, simulating fallible recognition, and memory distortions in subjects (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 22:39). Thus, human memory reconstructs the past based on previous empirical data.
Similarly, imagination relies on the recombination process, which also requires certain pieces of information. According to Schacter, our brain “flexibly recombines details into simulations of events that might happen” (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 21:12). In other words, it is impossible to imagine something of which you have no idea or opinion. The imagined scene or scenario will always strongly rely on previous experiences.
Furthermore, the analyzed processes are closely interrelated, as evidenced by neuroimaging studies. Specific brain structures dealing with memory, such as the hippocampus, have recently been proven to demonstrate “similar activations when people imagine the future” (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 16:43). The posterior hippocampus activity is responsible for “retrieving details from past events,” which are used for both recollecting past episodes and imagining future events (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 36:31).
This relationship was also evidenced in the studies, focused on the links between memory and imagination in amnesic patients (The University of British Columbia, 2010, 14:21). Hence, a person who cannot remember past events finds it difficult to imagine the future.
Apart from the neuroanatomical foundations of the relationship between memory and imagination, there is an apparent conceptual explanation for this phenomenon, which rests on the evolutionary principle of survival.
That is to say, the processes of recalling past episodes and imagining future events are vital for our effective navigation in the surrounding world. Indeed, recollecting one’s previous experiences enables a person to apply the obtained knowledge to make correct decisions and reasonable conclusions. Meanwhile, imagining the upcoming situations ensures the elaboration of expected scenarios based on personal experiences. This process allows us to make plans, consider possible outcomes, avoid potential problems, take appropriate steps in the future and ultimately achieve our goals.
Hence, imagination and memory are inherently creative processes, based on the similar mechanisms of reconstruction and recombination of our previous experiences. From the evolutionary standpoint, relationships between these processes play a crucial role, since their interplay streamlines our decisions and actions. Thus, the association between imagination and memory may be the result of evolutionary adaptation aimed at improving our life.
Reference
The University of British Columbia. (2010). Constructive memory: Remembering the past to imagining the future [Video file]. Web.