Explanatory Contextualism about Episodic Memory: Towards A Diagnosis of the Causalist-Simulationist Debate

Abstract We argue that the causal theory of memory and simulation are not as straightforwardly incompatible they usually taken to be. Following a brief review theories, we describe alternative normative descriptive perspectives on memory, arguing aligns better with perspective perspective. Taking explanatory contextualism about perception our starting point, then develop form that, depending context in which find ourselves, either or may be appropriate. It follows while cannot both right respect given perspective, it is necessary choose one other context, there an important sense need between causalism simulationism. conclude by differentiating position from critiquing related developed Craver (2020) defending against objections.