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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. szpunar@uic.edu http://www.uicmemorylab.com
Jason C. K. Chan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. ckchan@iastate.edu http://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.

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

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