A1 Journal article (refereed)
Truth in Fiction Reconsidered (2018)
Nyberg, C. (2018). Truth in Fiction Reconsidered. Res Cogitans, 13(1), 33-51. https://tidsskrift.dk/res_cogitans/article/view/104628
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Nyberg, Crister
Journal or series: Res Cogitans
eISSN: 1603-8509
Publication year: 2018
Volume: 13
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 33-51
Publisher: University of Southern Denmark
Publication country: Denmark
Publication language: English
Persistent website address: https://tidsskrift.dk/res_cogitans/article/view/104628
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/66285
Abstract
Possible and narrative worlds are traditionally the most influential tools for explaining our understanding of fiction. One obvious implication of this is considering fiction as a matter of pretence. The theory I offer claims that it is a mistake to take truth as a substantial notion. This view rejects possible worlds and pretence as decisive features in dealing with fiction. Minimalist theory of fiction offers a solution that gives a way to combine a philosophical theory of meaning and views of literary theory. Narrative worlds approach saves its usefulness since its focus is more in the psychological process of reading. Minimalist theory of fiction is based on the minimal theory of truth and the use theory of meaning. The idea of language games as a practice of constructing contextual meanings is also decisive. A sentence is not true because it corresponds to a fact but because it is used in a right way in certain circumstances. The rejection of the possible worlds approach is thus based on the idea that understanding fiction is essentially about recognizing the constant interplay between different texts and contexts. Better understanding makes different interpretations possible.
Keywords: truth; meanings (semantics); fiction; fiction and poetry; interpretation (cognition); comprehension; philosophy; narratology
Free keywords: truth; fiction; possible worlds; narrative worlds; minimal theory of truth; use theory of meaning
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2019
JUFO rating: 1
