Abstract

In this paper, the thesis that narrative is the form of rationality especially appropriate to morality is examined. A classification of theories of moral rationality is developed. Pure narrative and pure non-narrative theories of moral rationality are distinguished in terms of this classification, and various features of both Christian life in particular and moral life generally are considered in order to determine whether these features are more plausibly accounted for in terms of a pure narrative theory or a pure non-narrative theory of moral rationality. It is concluded that the features discussed are at least as compatible with a pure non-narrative theory as with a pure narrative theory. Finally, a series of objections to the pure narrative theory sketched by Stanley Hauerwas and David Burrell are discussed.