Walter Fisher's Narrative Paradigm Lecture Notes

Introduction to Narrative Paradigm

• Walter Fisher's Narrative Paradigm is a distinct method from traditional methods like the classical rhetoric or Toulmin's analysis.
• Fisher presents an innovative approach to understanding messages through the concept of narrative.

Basic Assumptions of the Narrative Paradigm

• Humans as Storytellers: Humans naturally tell stories as a fundamental way to understand the world.
• Logic of Good Reasons: Rhetoric involves providing reasons, and if stories provide reasons, they are a form of rhetoric.

Comparison with Rational World Paradigm

• Rational World Paradigm:
  • Emphasizes logical, data-driven decision-making similar to computer processes.
  • Rooted in Enlightenment scientific mentality.
• Narrative Paradigm:
  • Focuses on storytelling as a means to understand the world through experiences.
  • People are seen as myth-makers, not just rational thinkers.

Components of Fisher's Theory

• Coherence: Consistency and logical flow within the story.
• Fidelity: The story’s truthfulness and reliability in reflecting real-world experiences.

Narrative vs. Rational World

• Decision Making:
  • Rational World: Decisions based on evidence and logical deductions.
  • Narrative Paradigm: Decisions based on good reasons that resonate with personal experiences.
• Influence of Background:
  • Rational World: Analytical and evidence-based approach.
  • Narrative Paradigm: Shaped by personal history and shared stories.

Elements of the Narrative Paradigm

• Narrator: Voice telling the story, not necessarily the creator.
• Characters: Actors within the story.
• Plot: Sequence of actions and causes/effects.
• Setting: Context and background events affecting the story.

Analyzing Artifacts with Narrative Paradigm

• Each rhetorical artifact (e.g., a commercial, speech) tells a story.
• Evaluate artifacts by identifying narrator, characters, plot, and setting.
• Examine the interaction and coherence of these elements.

Coherence and Fidelity in Analysis

• Coherence:
  • Internal consistency and logic of the story.
  • Avoids contradictions and maintains natural causality.
• Fidelity:
  • Reflects real experiences and resonates with the audience’s beliefs and values.
  • Examines the logic of good reasons within the story.

Hierarchies of Appeals in Narrative

• Definition: Appeals based on right or wrong.
• Comparison: Relating the story to other known experiences.
• Consequence: Outcomes and implications of actions.
• Expedience: Practicality and feasibility.
• Authority: Reliance on external authoritative sources.

Applying Narrative Paradigm

• Use the narrative paradigm to critique and understand how artifacts persuade through storytelling.
• Seek coherence and fidelity as metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of the narrative.

Conclusion

• The narrative paradigm offers a unique lens to analyze rhetoric by emphasizing the power of stories in shaping human convictions and understanding.