Unconscious Memory by Samuel Butler
QR code
"Unconscious Memory" by Samuel Butler is a treatise on biological theory, written in the late 19th century. This work explores the concept of memory as an unconscious process that shapes the behavior and development of living organisms, linking it to the broader context of evolution. Through his examination, Butler seeks to identify a connection between inherited traits and the unconscious memory of ancestral actions, attempting to provide a framework that supports and
expands upon Darwinian evolution. The opening of "Unconscious Memory" introduces Butler's reflective journey into the realm of biological thought and the evolution of consciousness. He discusses the historical context surrounding Darwin's theory of natural selection, emphasizing the prevailing ignorance of earlier evolutionary thinkers and contrasting their ideas with his own theories. The text serves as a personal account of how Butler arrived at his conclusions, specifically through the intertwining of memory and habit in the development of life. He outlines his argument that memories and actions of ancestors influence the present generation's behavior, proposing that these processes are innate and performed unconsciously. This complex relationship sets the stage for Butler's exploration of the implications of memory in the context of evolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
Kobo, Nook etc → Transfer via USB
Phone, tablet or computer → Open in a reading app
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902 |
|---|---|
| Title | Unconscious Memory |
| Credits | Transcribed from the 1910 A. C. Fifield edition by David Price |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 49.0 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | QH: Science: Natural history |
| Subject | Evolution |
| Subject | Memory |
| Subject | Subconsciousness |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 6605 |
| Release Date | Oct 1, 2004 |
| Last Update | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 775 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!