Stories with Philosophical Conversations?
I'm working on a short story that has two characters debating a philosophical view. Other than the inherent conflict built into the two opposing stances taken by the characters on the topic, it avoids traditional action or dramatic conflict during the debate/discussion.
I'd love to get some advice, as well as pointers to published work, on ways to effectively handle this kind of content.
Thanks in advance!
This post was sourced from https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/27785. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
1 answer
I would suggest that there is a very simple rule of thumb here: if it is revelatory of character, it is a story. If it is revelatory of ideas, it is a philosophical essay in disguise.
We debate philosophy. It is part of what makes humans human, and it is therefore a fit matter for story. But the issues in a story are not who is right, but what is it like to debate philosophy? Why do we do it? How do we respond the the challenge of an opposing view? How do we handle the destruction of our arguments? When does doubt creep in? Do we debate honestly or resort to rhetorical trickery? Do we bully? Do we deceive? What do we do when doubt of our our own position sets in? Do we care more about truth or victory?
There is a rich field for moral questions, moral doubts, and moral decisions in all of these questions, and therefore a rich ground for stories.
0 comment threads
0 comment threads