Summer 2011/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: July 5-15
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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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.

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, 2004. ISBN: 9780826476975. $27.95.

Westphal, Merold. Overcoming Onto-Theology: Toward a Postmodern Christian Faith. Fordham University Press, 2001. ISBN: 9780823221318. $28.

__________. Suspicion and Faith. Fordham University Press, 1998. ISBN: 9780823218769. $25.

__________. Whose Community? Which Interpretation? (page proofs available at Fuller bookstore)
Prior to the first class session, read Westphal, Whose, chaps. 1-2; Overcoming, chap. 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 September 1. The two exams will each count 30% of the grade, the paper 40%.

PREREQUISITES: None. But prior study of philosophy is advisable.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (April 2011)