Episodic Memory: From Mind to Brain

TLDR

Episodic memory is a distinct neurocognitive system that enables humans to recall past experiences, a concept first proposed about 30 years ago and refined to include self, subjective time, and autonoetic consciousness. The chapter aims to review the evolution of episodic memory, critique its concept, and evaluate evidence from neuropsychology and neuroimaging. It examines neuropsychological evidence from brain‑damage induced memory impairments and functional neuroimaging of normal subjects during memory tasks. The authors conclude that episodic memory is a remarkable, though underappreciated, natural phenomenon.

Abstract

[Figure: see text] ▪ Abstract Episodic memory is a neurocognitive (brain/mind) system, uniquely different from other memory systems, that enables human beings to remember past experiences. The notion of episodic memory was first proposed some 30 years ago. At that time it was defined in terms of materials and tasks. It was subsequently refined and elaborated in terms of ideas such as self, subjective time, and autonoetic consciousness. This chapter provides a brief history of the concept of episodic memory, describes how it has changed (indeed greatly changed) since its inception, considers criticisms of it, and then discusses supporting evidence provided by (a) neuropsychological studies of patterns of memory impairment caused by brain damage, and (b) functional neuroimaging studies of patterns of brain activity of normal subjects engaged in various memory tasks. I also suggest that episodic memory is a true, even if as yet generally unappreciated, marvel of nature.