Aristotle

Abstract

Aristotle’s philosophical psychology is very influential for Plotinus, whose thought is in turn important for Augustine. This chapter considers the minimal treatment of memory and recollection in both the De anima and the De memoria et reminiscentia of Aristotle. Memory for Aristotle is founded in the imagination, and pertains therefore primarily to sensation; recollection is differentiated as an active mental process, involving the association of ideas. Aristotle’s historical-philosophical contribution consists in using memory to found understanding in sensation, as well as to highlight the issue of the passage of time in discursive thinking.