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: