34: Philosophical Hermeneutics

1. Theological Category and Placement

Category: Philosophical Theology

Philosophical Hermeneutics is situated within Philosophical Theology as it applies philosophical inquiry to the theory and practice of interpretation, especially of sacred texts. It explores the nature of understanding, meaning, and interpretation in theology, addressing how humans engage with divine revelation through Scripture and tradition. This tradition bridges philosophy, theology, and biblical studies, emphasizing the role of historical context, language, and the interpreter’s horizon (Gadamer, 1975).

2. Introduction

Philosophical Hermeneutics emerged as a discipline focused on the art and science of interpretation. It investigates how meaning is constituted and understood, especially in theological contexts where Scripture is regarded as divinely inspired. Thinkers like Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur developed this approach, highlighting the dialogical and historical nature of understanding and the fusion of horizons between text and interpreter (Gadamer, 1975).

3. Historical Development

Rooted in ancient and medieval interpretive traditions, Philosophical Hermeneutics was revitalized in the 20th century by Schleiermacher, Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur. Gadamer’s Truth and Method (1975) is foundational, emphasizing historical consciousness and the dialectic between the text and interpreter. Ricoeur contributed through his focus on narrative and metaphor in theological interpretation. This tradition has deeply influenced contemporary biblical exegesis and theological methodology (Gadamer, 1975).

4. Core Doctrines and Theological Emphases

  • Fusion of Horizons: Understanding involves merging the perspectives of text and interpreter.
  • Hermeneutic Circle: Interpretation is a dynamic process of moving between parts and whole.
  • Historicity of Understanding: All interpretation is conditioned by historical context.
  • Prejudices and Fore-Understandings: Interpreters bring prior assumptions to the text.
  • Language and Meaning: Language is central to how meaning is disclosed and understood.

5. Scriptural and Theological Foundations

Philosophical Hermeneutics reflects on biblical themes of revelation and understanding, acknowledging that human interpretation of divine texts is inherently interpretive and contextual. It complements theological doctrines on Scripture’s authority by highlighting the human dimension of engagement with revelation (Gadamer, 1975).

6. Influence and Impact

Philosophical Hermeneutics has significantly influenced theological interpretation, biblical studies, and pastoral theology by providing a framework for understanding the interpretive process. It encourages humility, openness, and critical engagement with Scripture and tradition, fostering richer theological reflection (Ricoeur, 1981).

7. Representative Theologians and Key Works

  • Hans-Georg Gadamer – Truth and Method
  • Paul Ricoeur – Interpretation Theory and The Rule of Metaphor
  • Friedrich Schleiermacher – Pioneer of modern hermeneutics
  • Martin Heidegger – Philosophical foundations of hermeneutics

8. Conclusion

Philosophical Hermeneutics offers essential insights into the interpretive engagement with theological texts. By emphasizing dialogue, historicity, and the dynamic nature of understanding, it enriches Philosophical Theology and biblical interpretation.

9. References

  • Gadamer, H.-G. (1975). Truth and Method. Continuum.
  • Ricoeur, P. (1981). Hermeneutics and the Human Sciences. Cambridge University Press.
  • Schleiermacher, F. (1998). Hermeneutics and Criticism. Cambridge University Press.
  • Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time. Harper & Row.
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