Philosophy
The Epistemology of Memory and the Problem of Retention
Quick fact
Studies on memory suggest that we often forget the source of a fact while still retaining the fact itself—a phenomenon known as 'source amnesia.' This makes it hard to distinguish what we genuinely know from what we merely remember.
Why this is interesting
You remember that the Battle of Hastings was in 1066, but can you recall how you originally learned that fact — and does it matter? When your memory fades, does your knowledge fade with it?