The Rational World Paradigm, the Narrative Paradigm and the Politics of Pharmaceutical Interventions

This essay critically analyzes the recent work of Walter. Fisher on the “narrative paradigm.”; While Fisher's work has undeniable value, the implications of it have not been completely considered. This essay proposes three limitations on the narrative paradigm. First, Fisher's definition of narrative is too broad, encompassing nearly all discourse. Using Fisher's example of The Fate of the Earth, a case is built for the claim that a more limited definition of narrative is needed. Second, the view that there is an independent standard of narrative rationality that can be distinguished from the “rational world paradigm”; is considered and rejected. Finally, the claim that the proper role of the expert in the public sphere is that of story teller is also considered and rejected.

This essay first describes the indictment of the “rational world paradigm” upon which the narrative paradigm is built and then systematically tests that indictment as well as the benefits that have been claimed for the narrative perspective. The analysis suggests that there is a useful argumentative tradition, best represented by the informal logic movement, which avoids the dangers identified by proponents of narrative. At the same time the narrative paradigm largely fails to fulfill its aims.

The Rhetorical Alternative in Neurocinematics