I haven’t read MoR in a while, but do we see anyone use Pensieves on a large scale like that? If not, another possibility is that there are unpleasant side-effects to using them on a large scale. For example, perhaps they overwrite elements of the recipient’s own cognitive function, which isn’t too big a deal in small doses because the recipient’s brain/mind reroutes, but in larger doses resembles the effects of a brain aneurysm.
Sorry, I’m being unclear. I understand you’re pointing out that it isn’t being done on a large scale in terms of populations, I wasn’t sure if it was also never being done on a large scale in terms of individuals (e.g., if we never see Quirrell using Pensieves as a private training tool, or something).
And, sure, it’s totally a post hoc assertion. Though so is the assertion that they are rare and expensive as the result of a deliberate program of deprivation. All we know from the text is that they don’t seem to be used as an educational tool, apparently not even by the rich and powerful.
I wasn’t sure if it was also never being done on a large scale in terms of individuals (e.g., if we never see Quirrell using Pensieves as a private training tool, or something).
As far as I know, the only suggested or shown uses of Pensieve in canon or MoR are (extrapolating a bit from Draco in MoR, and Dumbledore in both):
showing memories to another person
committing fraud or crimes
unburdening one’s mind of many or strong memories
creating ideas & connections by going from memory to memory
The second suggests that the memories upon reviewing are just as good as a ‘real’ memory; the first suggests that they are convincing (otherwise why bother); and the fourth suggests that they are intellectually useful even if they were useless from a learning or skill perspective.
I haven’t read MoR in a while, but do we see anyone use Pensieves on a large scale like that? If not, another possibility is that there are unpleasant side-effects to using them on a large scale. For example, perhaps they overwrite elements of the recipient’s own cognitive function, which isn’t too big a deal in small doses because the recipient’s brain/mind reroutes, but in larger doses resembles the effects of a brain aneurysm.
Of course not. I’m pointing that out.
A rather post hoc assertion to make...
Sorry, I’m being unclear. I understand you’re pointing out that it isn’t being done on a large scale in terms of populations, I wasn’t sure if it was also never being done on a large scale in terms of individuals (e.g., if we never see Quirrell using Pensieves as a private training tool, or something).
And, sure, it’s totally a post hoc assertion. Though so is the assertion that they are rare and expensive as the result of a deliberate program of deprivation. All we know from the text is that they don’t seem to be used as an educational tool, apparently not even by the rich and powerful.
As far as I know, the only suggested or shown uses of Pensieve in canon or MoR are (extrapolating a bit from Draco in MoR, and Dumbledore in both):
showing memories to another person
committing fraud or crimes
unburdening one’s mind of many or strong memories
creating ideas & connections by going from memory to memory
The second suggests that the memories upon reviewing are just as good as a ‘real’ memory; the first suggests that they are convincing (otherwise why bother); and the fourth suggests that they are intellectually useful even if they were useless from a learning or skill perspective.