Narratives and Culture: The Role of Stories in Self-Creation

In: Telos, Heft 122, S. 80-100

Abstract

Defends the use of narrative by showing its role in culture. Greek philosophy defined culture as the changes in society, thought, & beliefs as opposed to eternal truths. Giambattista Vico argued against mechanical philosophy & saw culture as the privileged object of study & science. Johann Gottfried Herder defined culture, recognized diverse cultures, & believed that the understanding of nature must be part of culture. G. W. F. Hegel built on Herder's ideas & postulated three dimensions of culture that were the beginnings of the humanities. Science accepted the solving of epistemological problems in the natural sciences through narrative. Use of the narrative began to enrich the comprehension of all dimensions of culture, individuality, & humanity. The disempowerment created by the global economy has placed the use of narrative in crisis. It is the imaginative storyteller who can give back a hope for the future. L. A. Hoffman