Theory about Pensieves

[tigga1978]

No: HPFGUIDX 132873

Hi,

This might seem off the wall, but I have a theory about pensieve
memories, relating to the scientific theories of how we form memories.
I'm in cognitive science/artificial intelligence, so bear with me.

Though scientists aren't sure how memories are formed and kept in the
brain, the research we have about long term memories suggests a few
things:

1. Over time, details of memories are "forgotten."  The brain may or
may not store memories in full detail or as a "framework" with key
events that help a person remember the details.

2. Memories are biased by our past experience and by perspective.  

Based on these theories, I wonder how *factual* pensieve memories
really are.  Rather than coming from an omnipotent perspective,
pensive memories are from the perspective of the wizard.  Remember,
Harry followed Snape through the memory because he could only see what
Snape remembered. Therefore, I assert that pensieve memories are
biased and we cannot depend on a pensieve memory to give us a factual
account of an event.  We would only have a semi-factual account if we
viewed several pensieve memories of the same event.  For example,
Snape hated the Marauders.  In his memories, their actions may have
been exaggerated because of his feelings for them.  Would James'
pensieve memory of the same event play the same way?  I don't think so.  

That's just my theory.  I think if Harry does end up viewing the
events of GH in a pensieve, it should be the memories of someone he
trusts.

tigga1978