I think it’s very hard for Galen Strawson in “I Am Not a Story” to argue his point because of the consensus in the psychological world that narrative does explain who we are and it does shape who we are. Strawson argues that it’s more Important to be able to put the pieces together instead of using narrative as a crutch for understanding. I think if we use narrative to our advantage then we as a society will understand more. Knowledge is never ending so we could use narrative to continue knowledge in any desired subject. I think it is valid that some pie Iole are not able to remember things in order to retell them whatsoever, like Strawson. I feel this was about some things but I can remember others. I feel like it all has to do with memory. If Strawson had a good memory and could retell things, would he have written this piece or would he have conformed to the storytelling role that most people have? I think this is worth thinking about because it shows the connection between memory and narrative. I believe narrative helps us to remember but we also need a good memory to use narrative to our advantage. I don’t feel that my life story impedes me, rather I feel that it develops who I am in a positive way. I also think that it is interesting that Strawson constantly quotes others that are mostly refuting his claim. It seems as if he is almost arguing for it at times. I can relate to Strawson when he speaks about multiple selves. I think that it is necessary in life to have multiple selves to succeed. You can not act the same way with your fiends as with your coworkers or in an interview. It’s important to be situationally aware. I do not believe this affects narrative or that narrative has an effect on this because one can still stay true to all of their qualities and morals and values which is the foundation of narrative of ones life.
I really like what you wrote about in your blog! It was very interesting to read and I completely agree with things that you said. I agree that Strawson uses quotes to argue his point. I think that you took a different perspective when looking at this text and I found reading your blog very interesting. I liked the question that you asked in your blog post, it really got me thinking.
In your post, I liked how you included Strawson’s argument about memory and narrative and asked questions about how using these two ideas or skills could possibly help people remember stories. I agree with this idea and also thought that if you use narrative, it could help you remember events in your life that you might otherwise forget. Also, I liked how you picked up on the way that Strawson was using quotes/passages from other author’s and sometimes refuted his overall argument.
You asked some great questions. The intersection between memory and narrative would prove a rich connection to explore. Great job!