The construction of experiential knowledge in the work of Thomasina Borkman: Wisdom and truth in autosupport groups

This paper analyses the construction of experiential knowledge in self-support groups, based on a re-reading of the work of Thomasina Borkman and an ethnographic study of an online group for parents of children with West syndrome, a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy. By mobilising the notions of wisdom and truth, this parper explores how personal experiences, shared within virtual ‘sharing circles’, are transformed into meaningful collective knowledge. These spaces encourage a horizontal dialogue, where each member can in turn give and receive, while recognising the singularity and value of the shared experiences. The study highlights the way in which these life stories help to reconstruct a form of truth rooted in individual experience, while contributing to the emergence of a collective wisdom. This collective wisdom is characterised by its depth, based on the thoughtful management of emotions and the ability to mobilise practical learning in complex and uncertain contexts. The article also highlights the central role of digital devices in these dynamics, while questioning their limitations compared with traditional sharing circles, which are more conducive to in-depth interaction and prolonged learning.