Fisher Narrative Paradigm

Rational-World Paradigm Versus Narrative Paradigm

Fisher developed his theory within the field of rhetoric, which had predominantly relied on an understanding of persuasion and argumentation as rational thought. Fisher argues that sometimes, [Page 576]rational logic can be conveyed by rhetors in a way that relies more on aesthetics and creativity, but still convinces the audience to action. Essentially, Fisher offers a narrative paradigm that is meant to co-exist with a rational-world paradigm, not to replace it. In his seminal essay, he discusses five assumptions that differentiate the narrative paradigm from the rational-world paradigm. In a rational-world paradigm, the following features are present: (a) people are essentially rational; (b) people make decisions on the basis of good argument and logic; (c) the type of speaking situation determines the course of our argument (i.e., epidictic, forensic, deliberative); (d) rationality is determined by how much we know and how well we argue; and (e) the world is a set of logical puzzles that we can solve through rational analysis. By contrast, Fisher’s narrative paradigm is defined in relation to the following components: (a) people are essentially storytellers; (b) people make decisions based on good reason, which is not always logical; (c) history, biography, culture, and character determine what we consider good reasons; (d) narrative rationality is determined by the coherence and fidelity of our stories; and (e) the world is a set of stories from which we choose and thus constantly re-create our lives.

Fisher makes the comparison between the rational-world paradigm and the narrative paradigm in order to emphasize that although people might be presented with rational arguments, they may be persuaded via good reasons. For example, somebody who does not have a lot of money may still be willing to purchase a product that they cannot afford because the advertisement utilizes reasons that appeal to the buyer. They might be convinced that smelling like a special body spray will make women flock to them, or they may be convinced that having a particular brand of shoes makes them look more professional at work. If a person does not have money to spend, it is not a rational argument to suggest that they purchase a product they cannot afford, but that does not keep the viewer from being convinced to buy. Because Fisher is not arguing against rationality, but instead arguing for the inclusion of narration as a facet of rationality, the narrative paradigm is a combination of argument and aesthetic.

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