Walter Fisher's Narrative Paradigm Theory Explained

Introduction

The theory of the narrative paradigm is one of the most important and widely relied-upon frameworks in the field of communications. This discussion focuses on that theory. It examines when and why the theory was developed and how it has been researched. It then discusses the theory in detail, including an account of the competing rational world paradigm. Finally, it summarizes what scholars believe about the narrative paradigm and offers suggestions for future research in this area.

The Narrative Paradigm theory was created in the 1970s by Walter Fisher. Fisher created the theory because he felt that the rational world paradigm did not take into consideration the need for the narrative form of communication. Fisher asserts that the rational world paradigm only accounted for the argumentative nature of communication — a view made famous by philosophers such as Aristotle.

When and Why the Theory Was Developed

Many experts in the field of communications assert that narratives play an important role in communication. Fisher reasoned that any type of communication is actually a form of storytelling (Fournier, 2002). Fisher's theory contends that human beings are animals whose ability to reason is based on their ability to tell stories (Fournier, 2002). The following sections discuss Fisher's theory in detail and provide insight into the methods he used to produce it.

Fisher's definition of narration is "symbolic actions — words and/or deeds — that have sequence and meaning for those who live, create, or interpret them" (Fisher, 1984). According to Imamura (2000), Fisher describes his theory as a rhetorical paradigm. Fisher's theory contends that an individual's ability to reason does not rest solely on discussion or argument but also on dramatic works and literature — that is, on narratives.

The Rational World Paradigm

Fisher asserts that the prevailing view of human reasoning is called the rational world paradigm, and he argues that his narrative paradigm relates more closely to the actual thought patterns of human beings (Imamura, 2000). In explaining his theory, Fisher begins by describing the rational world paradigm.

Fisher asserts that the rational world paradigm was created by the philosopher Aristotle and that it is based on epistemology (Imamura, 2000). Fisher identifies five core arguments of the rational world paradigm:

First, humans are rational — meaning they have the ability to reason and formulate solutions. Second, humans use the argumentative form of language in decision-making and communication. Third, the circumstances surrounding a situation determine the type of argument humans will use to communicate and express thought. Fourth, rationality is dependent upon a person's knowledge, skill, and ability to argue. Fifth, the rational world paradigm contends that the world is composed of rational puzzles that can be explained if they are analyzed and if individuals use reason to understand them (Imamura, 2000).

Fisher also reasoned that the rational world paradigm "relies on societies that share a common language and require qualified people to engage in public decision-making" (Imamura, 2000). He further asserts that the rational world paradigm is no longer valid as a result of modernism. He contends that modernism has introduced naturalism, which confines the rational world paradigm to specialized studies, and that naturalism has caused the rational world paradigm to become unreasonable (Imamura, 2000).

Fisher conceded that, as a consequence of modernism, many scholars have attempted to reconstruct the rational world paradigm so that it can once again be used in everyday argument. He believes that no one has been able to accomplish this task, and therefore introduces the narrative paradigm as a solution (Imamura, 2000).

The Narrative Paradigm

Fisher begins his description of the narrative paradigm by explaining human nature. His theory asserts that humans can be classified into a new group called homo narrans (Imamura, 2000). Fisher also identifies five arguments that govern the use of the narrative paradigm:

First, humans are story-tellers — meaning that by nature we are inclined to use narration as a means of communication. Second, communication and decision-making use "good reasons" as opposed to situation-based arguments. Third, the narrative paradigm asserts that good reasons are shaped by "history, biography, culture, character, and the forces in the language act." Fourth, the ability of individuals to narrate determines their ability to rationalize. Fifth, the narrative paradigm asserts that "in order to live the good life, humans must choose and continually recreate a set of stories that make up the world" (Imamura, 2000).

Fisher contends that traditionally, rationality was something taught, deliberated, and that demanded a superior amount of self-consciousness. It is also normative and implies some form of hierarchical system. The narrative paradigm, on the other hand, proclaims that rationality is something attainable by all humans. It is also descriptive — as opposed to normative — and implies an ideal democratic society rather than a hierarchical one (Imamura, 2000).

Fisher also asserts that his theory of the narrative paradigm serves four purposes. The first is to resolve the conflicts associated with dualism. The second is to serve as a moral construct. The third is to confirm the notion of reason. The fourth is to create a means by which people can resolve moral conflicts (Imamura, 2000).

Fisher reckons that his theory of the narrative paradigm is most valuable in situations that are not strictly academic or that do not require a great deal of specialized expertise (Imamura, 2000). There are three reasons why the paradigm is efficient. First, it can capture experiences that are not subject to intellect. Second, individuals have the ability "to reflect and judge through experience, not through formal teaching." Third, Fisher asserts that "suggestion and identification operate in narration, while argument is structured from inference and deliberation" (Imamura, 2000).

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to examine the theory of the narrative paradigm. Through research, it was found that the theory was created by Walter Fisher as an alternative to the rational world paradigm attributed to Aristotle. The paper also discussed scholarly opinions on the narrative paradigm, finding that while many scholars recognize the importance of narrative communication, they also contend that the rational world paradigm remains significant. Finally, the paper considered the future of the theory, concluding that more definitive research is needed. Outstanding questions remain about whether the narrative paradigm actually enables human beings to make more rational decisions, particularly in matters of morality.

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