Narrative and Empathy: The Limits of Understanding Each Other Through Stories
Location
Beaman A&B
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
26-9-2013 10:00 AM
Description
One of the ways we learn about each other is through the stories we tell about ourselves and others. What are the limits of understanding through stories? Put another way, how do stories unsettle our sense of shared and different experiences? Through stories of personal experience, we try to make sense out of the familiar and unfamiliar. For example, when diagnosed with an illness we might seek others with stories about similar experiences; or people who move to new homelands tell stories to remember people and places left behind. Stories hold out the promise of understanding and having empathy for others. It is a compelling promise, whether or not it is fulfilled.
Recommended Citation
Shuman, Amy, "Narrative and Empathy: The Limits of Understanding Each Other Through Stories" (2013). Humanities Symposium. 13.
https://repository.belmont.edu/humanities_symposium/2013/2013/13
Narrative and Empathy: The Limits of Understanding Each Other Through Stories
Beaman A&B
One of the ways we learn about each other is through the stories we tell about ourselves and others. What are the limits of understanding through stories? Put another way, how do stories unsettle our sense of shared and different experiences? Through stories of personal experience, we try to make sense out of the familiar and unfamiliar. For example, when diagnosed with an illness we might seek others with stories about similar experiences; or people who move to new homelands tell stories to remember people and places left behind. Stories hold out the promise of understanding and having empathy for others. It is a compelling promise, whether or not it is fulfilled.
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Featured Presentation
Convocation Credit: Academic Lecture