Focus on: Narrating Reality

One of the research focuses of the Center for Narrative Research is devoted to the forms, functions, and effects of factual narratives. In many areas of everyday life, not least in relation to scientific knowledge, we use narratives for both orientation and communication. Journalistic reports, medical anamneses court pleas – all these communications are essentially narrative. Unlike fictional stories, they relate directly to our given reality. At the same time, factual narratives are both constructive and referential – therein lies their specific epistemological significance.

In numerous publications, projects and events, the CNR has established itself a leading research institutions in the field of factual narrative. This is highlighted in particular by the CNR-Lecture Series on this subject: Every year outstanding personalities come to Wuppertal for public events to talk about the particular challenges of narrating reality.