A Post-modern storytelling and fragmented narrations in the history of medicine

Authors

  • Paul-Arthur Tortosa European University Institute/Université de Strasbourg

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48487/pdh.2018.n6.22488

Keywords:

Storytelling, narration, emplotment, history of medicine

Abstract

In this article, I try to combine Hayden White’s work on historical narration with sociological and artistic perspectives in order to propose possible avenues for a new kind of storytelling in the history of medicine. Drawing on White’s focus on emplotment and the Actor-Network Theory, I try to think about new actors and plot-types for the history of epidemics. I also share White’s belief that fictional and historical narration share a lot, which leads me to study some artistic storytelling. This makes me speak in favour of fragmented and contradicting narrations aimed at spotting lies instead of conjuring an objective and unique “Truth”.

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Published

2021-01-21

How to Cite

Tortosa, P.-A. . (2021). A Post-modern storytelling and fragmented narrations in the history of medicine. Práticas Da História. Journal on Theory, Historiography and Uses of the Past, (6), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.48487/pdh.2018.n6.22488

Issue

Section

Essays