Ricoeur, Paul. The ethics of collective memory and forgetting

This chapter of Paul Ricoeur’s 2004 book Memory, History, Forgetting explores the complex interplay between memory and forgetting, distinct from the topic of forgiveness. Forgetting is often seen as a threat to memory’s reliability, portraying memory as a battle against forgetting, as illustrated by Herodotus and the duty of memory. However, an excess of memory, where nothing is forgotten, is considered monstrous, like Borges’ “Funes el Memorioso”. Thus, Ricoeur questions in this chapter whether there is an optimal balance between memory and forgetting, where forgetting is not entirely detrimental but rather necessary for a healthy memory.

The discussion extends to the various forms of forgetting, ranging from passive to active, and highlights how collective memories shape and are shaped by social and political contexts. The chapter also addresses the ethical implications of institutionalized forgetting, such as amnesty, and its potential to obscure historical truths and hinder genuine reconciliation. The importance of this discussion lies in understanding how selective memory and narratives can manipulate history and identity, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to remembering and forgetting.

Author of this entry: Meritxell Espona Vinyeta.

Ricœur, Paul. 2004. Memory, History, Forgetting. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.