Sprache, objektiver Geist und kulturelles Gedächtnis

Abstract

The paper argues that a philosophically sound theory of cultural memory has to clarify three presuppositions. First, the relationship between individual and collective memory has to be explained. Second, the empirical data on recollection and memory provided by neurological and historical research has to be discussed in terms of a philosophy of culture. Third, the specific material and/or immaterial „memory-bearers“ or memory-media („Trägermedien“) in which cultural memory takes shape have to be examined. The article, then, shows that the first elaborate account of cultural memory was given by 19th century „Völkerpsychologie“, inaugurated by Moritz Lazarus and Heyman Steinthal. Their theory of cultural memory was much indebted to a critical interpretation of Hegel’s conception of „objective spirit“. Accordingly, the last sections of the paper give a reexamination of Hegel’s theory of recollection and memory and deal with the question whether this theory can contribute to present cultural memory discourse.