Ricoeurian Bases for a Philosophical Concept of Autobiography

Abstract

This article aims to coin a philosophical notion of autobiography, relying mainly on Paul Ricoeur's theory of narrative identity. We will trace the links between narrative and life with the help of Jerome Bruner. We will pay special attention to the social aspect of these narratives, since it leads us to a reflection on the collective narratives, taking into account Eva Illouz’s work. By problematizing the link between the collective and the individual sphere, we seek to discuss the notion of autobiography in Ricoeur's work with some of his interpreters. This conceptual trajectory will enrich our perspective so as to be able to try out a philosophical notion of autobiography that entails a substantial contribution to that of narrative identity.