(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2012) Klaasen, J.
A narrative approach for moral formation must take the shortcomings of abstract
reason seriously. Two specific attempts to a narrative approach, narrative as a means
to an end and the supra-narrative approach, do not address these shortcomings
and are inadequate approaches for moral formation.
An open ended narrative approach considers reason as an important phenomenon
for moral formation. The shortcomings of using abstract reason such as the neglect
of tradition, community and the particular finds relevance in the way reason is used
in an open ended narrative approach. Reason is not rejected, but it is used in a more
holistic way that includes critical reflection.