Nostalgia for the Past, Present and Future

Abstract

In my response to the three commentaries, I emphasize the importance of philosophical reflections on nostalgia, and especially those that are oriented phenomenologically. I criticize the methodological commitments that underlie the approach taken by Constantine Sedikides and Tim Wildschut as well as their contention that nostalgia for the past is the only legitimate form of nostalgia. I reflect on the importance of various implications that James Morley and Kathleen Higgins draw in their commentaries. I accept the view presented by the three critics that nostalgia can be lived not only as a negative, but also as a positive emotion, and provide some further reflections on how positive nostalgia can be spoken of as nostalgia for the past, present and future.