Epistemic potential in creative fandom projects: analysis of argumentative processes in fan theories

Abstract

This paper focuses on the processes of knowledge construction and social interaction generated around literate practices linked to virtual communities. The hypertextual projects developed by users put into operation complex creative, inferential and argumentative strategies that favour the development of creativity and critical thinking among their members. Focusing attention on fan theories, the research has made it possible to categorise, define and characterise these original hermeneutic proposals made available to the fan community (fandom) to be evaluated and debated. To this end, a study combining netnographic methodologies and discourse analysis has been conducted. The descriptive examination of these creative products has been carried out following the following variables: pragmatic aspects, the context of argumentation and structural elements (internal structure, types of arguments and conclusion or thesis reached). The results show the existence of three types of fan theories (predictive, explanatory and alternative) based on the prioritization of different argumentative mechanisms and creative dimensions. Predictive theories are personal interpretations based on subjective arguments and the establishment of connections between the text and the users' personal experience; explanatory theories are original theories supported by various critical and analytical arguments with precise references to the canon and paratextual elements; and alternative theories are characterized by their hypertextual and creative nature. It is concluded that an educational approach oriented to the development of critical and creative thinking must conceive the argumentative processes of virtual environment as a situated discursive practice.