The Wilkomirski Syndrome: falsified history

Authors

  • Wolfgang Heuer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-864X.2006.s.1348

Keywords:

Memory, Wilkomirski, Critical judgment

Abstract

The use of memory in History poses the question of its reliability and thus the “question of confidence” (Ricoeur) in the testimony. In contrast to traditional forms of prevention or prescription of memory, the current public interest in personal recollections comes up against many cases of falsification of memory, the most famous among them being the story of “Wilkomirski”. The author studies the contemporary fashion of self-victimization and discusses why most historians failed to recognize this falsification, why lying seems to offer more advantages than truth-telling, and which role critical judgment can play as a prerequisite of confidence. 

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Published

2006-11-17

How to Cite

Heuer, W. (2006). The Wilkomirski Syndrome: falsified history. Estudos Ibero-Americanos, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-864X.2006.s.1348

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2006): Edição Especial

Section

Articles

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