Abstract:

Memory is the core of historical research, and due to differences in subjects, it can be divided into individual historical memory, group historical memory, and cultural and historical memory between groups. The “empathy” function of the brain can trigger the emotion of "empathy" and connect the three memories. This study conducted experiments on subjects with different educational backgrounds, genders, and historical knowledge levels, and used fMRI technology to observe the brain responses of subjects when viewing war pictures, revealing the advanced cognitive function network, visual information processing network, and negativity. Changes in activation levels of emotional brain regions. When the subjects watched the Anti-Japanese War picture group, the activation level of the core area and regulatory area in the brain responsible for “empathy” increased significantly, directly mobilizing the “historical memory” of the brain and highlighting the importance of historical education——strengthening the connection of cultural memories between groups thus strengthens national identity and patriotism. In addition, there are significant differences in the brain activation levels of subjects with different genders and education levels. The brains of women with higher levels of education show the most active “empathy” level, and they are more able to show “sympathy with the same enemy” attitude. Research not only demonstrates the importance of individual differences in perceiving historical events, but also proves the role of historical memory in maintaining social consensus and cohesion of groups.

Key words: historical memory , empathy , cognitive function , anti-Japanese war , functional MRI