Past as an Area of Creativity

Article

Abstract

[In Russian]

The concept of the Past is a highly artificial notion, derived from an eclectic combination of sources. Re-creation of the artifacts of the past (as well as personal memories) is a frequent phenomenon, though never legalized by culture. The necessary mechanisms allowing such actions were formed long ago on the borderline of humanities and science. Any contact with historic relics requires a well-defined notion of authenticity which, however, does not exist. According to various cultural practices, ‘authenticity’ is a convention based, primarily, on the cultural importance of corresponding relics. A notion of retroactivity is introduced in order to demonstrate logical and psychological limitations of ‘authenticity’ and enlighten the functioning of historic artifacts (or simulacra).