Lecture The art and power of forgetting

A fascinating journey through mythology, memory, and identity Why do we forget? What remains, what disappears – and why? In this lecture, divided into 3 sessions, you will explore with Eric van Waalwijk van Doorn one of the most mysterious functions of the brain: forgetting. 

We start with Lethe, the mythological river of oblivion. What does this ancient metaphor say about how we deal with memories – and letting go? Then we dive into the psychology of forgetting: 

• Why we speak differently about remembering than forgetting in language 
• That forgetting is not “failure”, but a crucial function of memory
• How interference often works more strongly than decay 
• Whether remembering and forgetting are opposites… or actually work together 

Recognisable paradoxes are examined: why are “unforgettable moments” so hard to hold on to, and whether you might want to use a forgetting technique if you could. We also look ahead: 

• Can we soon erase or implant memories? 
• How close is science to a forget pill – and do we actually want it? 
• What are the risks of medicalising forgetting? 

Furthermore, the relationship between forgetting and identity is discussed, along with changing memories over the years, Prospectieve Memory and Telescopy, and why music and scent evoke such persistent memories. 

Finally, there will be a reflection on memory disorders and the question that everyone asks: What does it mean to forget someone – or something? The lecture concludes with thought-provoking questions that will linger long afterwards.