Expanding our sense of the possible: Ten theses for possibility studies

Abstract

By exploring our sense of the possible as a narratively mediated phenomenon, this essay brings possibility studies in dialogue with interdisciplinary narrative studies. It suggests that (1) the possible is entangled with actual life worlds that are heterogeneous spaces of possibility, (2) the possible is crucial to our temporal existence as being in the world with others, (3) narratives shape our sense of the possible, (4) possibility studies can contribute to strengthening our narrative agency, (5) narrative imagination has transformative power, (6) fiction can explore worlds as spaces of possibility, foster perspective awareness, and expand our sense of the possible, (7) the possible exists through processes of interpretation, and hence (narrative) hermeneutics is relevant to possibility studies, (8) our relationship to cultural models of sense-making is a possibility relationship, (9) possibility studies can bring to dialogue memory studies, futures studies and narrative studies, and (10) possibility studies should articulate and evaluate the ethico-political affordances and dangers of different discourses of the possible.

Embracing difference and cultivating hope: The transformative potential of Possibility Studies

“…Narratives can also challenge and strengthen stereotypes, as Meretoja (2023) points out, reminding us of the potential of stories to inspire change and promote social justice. The use of speculative fiction is particularly powerful in this regard, allowing us to explore new possibilities and rehearse different futures, as Damhof and Gulmans (2023) demonstrates in the Futures Literacy Labs.…”

“…Zurn and Bassett (2023) observe that while numerous possibilities exist, it is curiosity which enables us to recognise and act upon them. Meretoja (2023) adds that the construction of possibilities is intertwined with power relations and networks. As we explore in greater detail below, the concept of possibility is continually reconstructed through narration and experience, reflecting its dynamic and multifaceted nature.…”

“…It is also something that is socio-materially constrained. For Meretoja (2023) the notion of agency is essential to understanding how different groups enact their possibilities. We are reminded again of the limits on agency by Knight and Manley (2023) and Facer (2023).…”

“…Ó Brolcháin’s (2023) argument for an ethics of possibility supports this claim – we need to examine the risks that can be generated by limitless possibilities. Meretoja (2023) calls for an understanding of how possibilities are weakened or strengthened in relation to social power.…”

“…There remain and will continue to be fundamental points of disagreement. Instead, we are following Meretoja (2023) in recognising that becoming is a fundamentally dialogical and relational process. The double meaning in Escobar’s (2023) ‘Welcome to Possibility Studies’ as both an introduction to a new area and a reaching out from those who already work in this space to their new colleague reflects both the ambition of Possibility Studies and its dependence on others.…”