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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of successful completion of this course,
students will (1) increase their knowledge of recent discussions and debates in
philosophical and theological hermeneutics that have a direct bearing on
biblical interpretation and psychological counseling; (2) increase skills in
critical thinking and academic writing; and (3) increase their understanding of
and appreciation for scholars and church members whose views and emphases
differ from their own.
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: