DESCRIPTION:

In its narrower sense, hermeneutics is the theory of interpreting texts, especially normative texts such as legal or sacred texts. "Philosophical hermeneutics" signifies a broader account according to which human understanding is interpretation not just in the reading of texts but in all our construals of the world, of ourselves and others, including God. All our seeings as . . ., e.g., seeing God as a personal creator or seeing ourselves as created in God's image, are interpretations. Thus, philosophical hermeneutics is a form of epistemology, exploring the nature and limits of human understanding. After a quick historical overview of the philosophical context, we will read relevant selections from Gadamer as well as from critics of the tradition he represents. We'll conclude with a look at the hermeneutics of suspicion and the biblical sources "plagiarized" by Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud.

This is a "threefer." (1) The study of philosophical hermeneutics provides valuable reflection on the complex tasks of biblical interpretation. (2) At the same time it is an introduction to an important set of themes in contemporary culture that have a bearing on such issues as pluralism, relativism, foundationalism, the possibility of critique, and so forth. Ministry in contemporary culture needs to be thoughtful about these issues, which have a direct bearing on theology and preaching and on the context in which they occur. (3) From the counseling perspective, hermeneutics can help us to see how deeply action and attitude are rooted in interpretation and thus on the role of alternative seeings as . . . in gaining wholeness.

The class will meet daily, Monday-Friday, for two weeks for four-hour sessions. Class time will be devoted to lecture and discussion.

Gadamer, Hans-Georg. Truth and Method. Crossroad, 1991.

Westphal, Merold. Overcoming Onto-Theology. Fordham, 2001

__________. Suspicion and Faith. Fordham, 1998.

Readings on reserve.

Prior to the first class session, read Westphal, Overcoming Onto-Theology, chs. 3, 6, and 8.

Regular readings read prior to the class for which they are assigned. Two essay exams: midterm and final. One 8-10 page paper based on an outline developed in consultation with the instructor, due August 1.

None. But prior study of philosophy is advisable.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).

Yes.