---
title: "Memory erasure"
chunk: 3/3
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_erasure"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T04:23:40.242517+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

== Measurement issues ==
There is an epistemological issue in determining whether the absence of evidence (i.e., memory trace) is evidence of absence. In experimental studies, the absence of behavior indicative of memory is sometimes interpreted as the absence of the memory trace; however, the memory impairment may be temporary due to deficits in recall. Alternatively, the memory trace be latent and demonstrable via its indirect effects on new learning. The measurement issue is compounded by the fact that memory processes are dynamic and may not always manifest in single locations or in static and easily identifiable changes detectable by current technologies.
Michael Davis, researcher at Emory University, argues that complete erasure can only be confidently concluded if all of the biological events that occurred when the memory was formed revert to their original status. The current state of technology and methodology may not be sensitive enough to detect all types of memory traces. Davis contends that because making these measurements in a complex organism is implausible, the concept of complete memory erasure (what he deems "strong form of forgetting") is not useful scientifically.

== Ethics ==
As with most new technologies the idea of being able to erase memories comes with many ethical questions. One ethical question that arises is the idea that although there are some extremely painful memories that some people (for example PTSD patients) would like to be rid of, not all unpleasant memories are bad. The ability to soften or erase memories could have drastic effects on how society functions. The ability to remember unpleasant effects from one's past has a huge impact on the future actions they may take. Remembering and learning from past mistakes is crucial in the emotional development of a person and helps to ensure they do not repeat previous errors. The ability to erase memory could also have a massive impact on the law. When it comes to determining the outcome of a trial, the ability to modify memory could have a massive impact on the judicial system. Another ethical question that arises is to how the government will use this technology and what restrictions would need to be put in place. Some worry that if soldiers can go into battle knowing that the memories created during that time period can simply be erased they may not uphold military morale and standards. Many are also skeptical with who should be able to have procedures done on them, so they are urging for a set of laws to determine this.

== In fiction ==
Memory erasure has also been a common topic of interest in science fiction and other fiction. Several notable comics, TV shows and movies feature memory erasure, including Telefon, Total Recall, Men in Black, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Black Mirror, Futurama, The Bourne Identity, NBC's Heroes and Dollhouse. Novels that feature memory erasure include The Invincible by Stanisław Lem, some of the Harry Potter novels (including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) by J. K. Rowling, Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer, and The Giver by Lois Lowry. Several works by Philip K. Dick are about memory erasure, including "Paycheck", "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" (which served as the inspiration for Total Recall). In the canon of the SCP Foundation, the organization uses substances called amnestics to erase memories for covering up supernatural phenomena.

== References ==