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Beyond communication: Episodic memory is key to the self in time

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2018

Karl K. Szpunar  and
Jason C. K. Chan
Karl K. Szpunar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607. [email protected]://www.uicmemorylab.com
Jason C. K. Chan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. [email protected]://www.jasonckchan.com
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Abstract

Mahr & Csibra (M&C) propose that episodic memory evolved to support epistemic authority in social communication. We argue for a more parsimonious interpretation whereby episodic memory subserves a broader preparatory function for both social and non-social behavior. We conclude by highlighting that functional accounts of episodic memory may need to consider the complex interrelations between self and subjective time.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 41 , 2018 , e33
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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