On pluralist mythscapes

Abstract

In this article, I outline a possible way to think about the ‘mythscape’, the discursive space within which identity-constitutive mythologies are articulated, in a pluralist and pragmatic philosophical framework. Instead of concentrating on the content of particular narratives, as previous attempts in this vein have done, I explain a way to organise the mythscape which adheres to the principles of a pluralist democracy. I discuss the role of the state and its education system with respect to myths. I argue that a pluralist mythscape should be based on acknowledgement rather than recognition, and it should be aided by critical and sentimental education.