The Phenomenon of Memory in the Era of the Crisis of Technogenic Civilization

Abstract

The article analyzes the influence of the modern anthropological crisis on the sphere of memory. The author of the text examines the concept of “technogenic civilization” by Academician V. Stepin, proceeding from the existing trends in memorial discourse. Under “technogenic civilization” Stepin understands not only the search for production solutions but also social technologies, new for­mats of communication. In this regard, memory also becomes part of the general list of technologies, which means it is subjected to crisis processes. The article is based on the works of Z. Freud, V. Benjamin, G.G. Shpet, and others. The author, analyzing the collected material, concludes that, in contrast to traditional soci­eties, in modern technogenic civilization, the very way of memorizing and re­membering is changing; the approach to memory, its perception both in society and in science, is changing. In addition, it is emphasized that at the beginning of the 21st century, several threats arise in relation to memory as a cultural and his­torical phenomenon in connection with the development of new technologies and comprehensive digitalization inherent in societies moving to the post-indus­trial phase. For example, today, the most likely transformation of ideas about sources, a change in approaches to working with materials that form the basis for historical research. The fate of the modern communication format, which differs from the already traditional epistolary genre, remains not entirely clear. Com­pletely new formats of narrative, which are also influenced by current trends, also require a particular approach. The new reality requires an answer to a wide range of challenges, which are associated, among other things, with the model of a market economy and globalization processes.