Forgottenness has been a subject of interest for philosophers since ancient times. Philosophy and literature have long dealt with themes of memory, recollection, and forgetting. Aristotle argued that the act of remembering was crucial to human existence because it allowed individuals to learn from their experiences and build knowledge. Plato wrote about the importance of recollecting past lives in order to understand the present. In his work "The Symposium", he posited that each person is born into this world twice—once physically and once intellectually, and the intellectual birth requires remembrance. Forgetting, on the other hand, can be viewed as an act of self-destruction. It involves letting go of one's memories and erasing parts of oneself. This view of forgetting is further developed in modern philosophy through thinkers such as Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Derrida.
There are also arguments against this view.
Sigmund Freud believed that forgetting could be necessary for psychological wellbeing and argued that repression was a defense mechanism that helped people deal with trauma. More recently, psychoanalytic theory has focused on how remembering can cause harm, and forgetting may be an ethical act. If we continue to carry around painful memories, they can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Forgiveness, on the other hand, allows us to move forward and create a new narrative without dwelling on the past. It can even allow us to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Remembering and forgetting are not just personal acts; they can have moral significance on a societal level too. The act of remembering certain historical events or figures can perpetuate myths and stereotypes that reinforce social injustices. Erasure of these events and figures can help to promote equality and justice. On the other hand, ignoring important historical moments or individuals can contribute to cultural amnesia and silence marginalized voices.
While remembrance can be seen as an ethical act, it depends on what we choose to remember and why. Remembering can be used to preserve injustice or heal trauma. Forgetting can be used to protect oneself from pain or erase oppression. Both have their place in our lives, and it is up to each individual to decide when and how to use them.
What is the moral significance of being forgotten, and can remembrance itself be an ethical act?
In the context of intergenerational relationships, memories are important for maintaining personal identity, providing continuity between generations, preserving family history, and establishing familial ties. Forgottenness may therefore have negative consequences regarding one's self-esteem and belonging to a community. Remembrance, on the other hand, implies respect towards the past and its legacy, as well as acknowledgment of the efforts made by previous generations that enabled the present one.