The Self in Manipulation

 

            Memento has been interesting to watch because it ties in what I have been learning about in my Neuropsych and Philosophy classes. Today in Philosophy we discussed selfhood and attempted to determine the components that constitute a self. It made me consider how individuals with disorders such as Korsakoff’s, neglect syndrome, and in Leonard’s case, anterograde amnesia, are affected by their condition. Having these disorders makes it impossible not to be manipulated by the world around you. People with neglect syndrome can only see half of their visual field while people with Korsakoff’s syndrome may live in the past, aware of only a small period of their lives. All these conditions make me wonder, in some cases, can people lose their sense of self entirely? Or do such lesions just alter one’s selfhood? Does a person’s condition then become a part of their self?

            In the movie, Leonard says “Facts, not memories. That’s how you investigate.” But even facts can be faulty. He attempts to manipulate his long-term memory through photography that can be manipulative in and of itself. It’s a cyclic relationship with no winner. The photographs and the descriptions below them can aid Leonard’s memory, but at the same time they can also be used against him. They are merely snapshots of the past. They aren’t facts and they aren’t memories. I wonder if, in living a life based on manipulation, Leonard’s selfhood has been totally and completely wrecked. Can he even have a self if he can’t create new memories? Or does he have a self because he is aware of his condition, and has discovered a way to live with his amnesia? If that’s the case, then does it even matter if his photographs can be manipulated by others and himself?