Narrative and Empathy: The Limits of Understanding Each Other Through Stories

Presenter Information

Amy Shuman, Ohio State University

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.

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Convocation Credit: Academic Lecture

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Sep 26th, 10:00 AM

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.