Memory Wars Argumentative Analysis

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Recommended: Nature of false memories

This essay will critically discuss the assertion that the memory wars can never be resolved. First, the essay will consider the background of the memory wars, which refers to the debate over whether recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse exist or if they are in fact false memories. The essay will then consider the approaches that both sides of the debate take in relation to memory, before discussing the relevant methods they employ and limitations these may present, which could impact a resolution to the memory wars. Based on the arguments and evidence, suggestions for a resolution of the memory wars will be considered. The essay will also consider middle ground between opponents of the debate and finally, it will explore whether false and recovered memories can be distinguished from each other.

The memory wars refers to the debate between therapeutic and forensic practice about …show more content…

Prior to 1992, there was a general consensus between psychologists and therapists that a large number of adult survivors of CSA would repress memories of their trauma at some point during adulthood (Gold, Hughes and Swingle, 1999, cited in Wager, 2017). However, some psychologists argued that recovered memories of CSA were probably false memories (Wager, 2017); they suggested that false memories arose due to therapists implanting false memories into their clients, and self-help books encouraging individuals to believe that their issues arose from CSA (Belli and Loftus, 1994, cited in Wager, 2017). Around the same time, Professor Jennifer Freyd, a cognitive psychologist, allegedly recovered memories of her father abusing her as a child. As a result of this, her parents established the False Memory Syndrome Foundation

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