Pensieve (was Re: James the Berk?)

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 105964


I, Del, wrote :
> We have no proof that a Pensieve memory is objective, but I would be
> *thoroughly* disappointed to learn that it isn't, because it would
> *undermine* the whole point of the Pensieve IMO. DD explained that he
> puts his memories in the Pensieve in order to help himself find
> patterns and links he couldn't find otherwise. But if those memories
> are flawed because subjective to start with, then how can he expect 
> to make anything worthwhile out of them ? In my idea, the whole point
> of putting them outside of his own head is precisely that it's easier
> to observe them rationally this way, with an outsider's view, in 
> other words : objectively.

Amber answered : 
> You know I've thought a lot about this. I don't think a memory is 
> objective. If you think about it logically it can't be. It's 
> something you experience in the past and emotion does play a part in 
> it.Ask anybody about a past event. They might forget some details, 
> but they'll will remember exactly how they felt.So lets not forget 
> that this Snape memory. Yes Harry could hear what his father and 
> friends said, but the fact is it's Snape's memory and no one else's. 
> I think what DD meant was by putting the memory in the pensive 
> allowed him to look at without the emotions that would go
> along with it. He could look at it in a more detached way. 

Del replies :
But if, as you say, our emotions modify the memory to start with, if
the memory is not objective because we've tainted it with our emotions
right from the beginning, then what's the point of trying to look at
it objectively later ? Looking objectively at something that you know
is NOT an objective recount of an event won't bring you any sure
conclusions about that event, and for sure no *objective* conclusion.
It's going to great lengths for a result that you simply can never be
sure of.

Del