Narrative and Argument

Hunt believes film can contribute to philosophy through narrative, which provides examples that can be used in arguments. The authors of our readings are in agreement that there is a relationship between the methods of the narrative found in film and the argument found in philosophy. However, there is great disagreement about what type of relationship this is. Hunt shows the distinction for him between an example, which a narrative can be, and a philosophical argument.
“A narrative, insofar as it is serving as an example, is simply a representation of a concrete series of events.” (Hunt 402) The way for an example to serve of part of an argument is by providing its relevance to the argument. The example must have a certain level of generality, which connects the example with a philosophical argument. The major weakness of film in its attempt to do philosophy is, for Hunt, its lack of language. For him, language is the best method for expressing a general truth or conclusion. “Nothing can do so as lucidly as stating that truth in so many words.” (Hunt 402) Philosophical examples serve as ways we can tease apart certain ideas from others, “what is truly part of a concept” and what is merely associated with it by habitual associations.” (Hunt 403) Film, for Hunter, runs the risk of blurring those associations and loosing the precision that only language can exhibit.
An example he uses to show that books can make more subtle points is Walter van Tilberg Clark’s The Oxbow Incident, which shows the failure of mob rule to provide justice. “The film reminds us that quick ‘justice’ can easily get the wrong person”, but the book presents three characters who give three different objections to mob rule. Mr. Davies objects that the mob decisions were wrong because they should have been made in a legal framework. Mr. Sparks objects to the mob decisions because they “usurp the position of God.” Gerald Tetley objects on the ground that the concept of mob justice reflects a “cowardly herd instinct.” The dialogues between these three characters are unfortunately omitted from the film, leaving only a trace of Mr. Davies in a letter. (Hunt 403) Hunt concludes that film can contribute to philosophy in a limited way, by using the narrative to provide examples to serve arguments.