Summer 2005/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 20-July 1
PH517
Westphal
PH517: PHILOSOPHICAL HERMENEUTICS. Merold Westphal.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet daily, Monday-Friday, for two weeks for
four-hour sessions. Class time will be devoted to lecture and
discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- 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.
PREREQUISITES:
- None. But prior study of philosophy is advisable.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets MDiv core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.