hermeneutics
Meaning: The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of texts, originally applied to biblical scripture but now used across the humanities and social sciences.
Hermeneutics began as a discipline for interpreting religious texts but expanded through the work of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, and Gadamer to encompass the interpretation of any meaningful human expression — literature, law, history, and even conversation. The 'hermeneutic circle' is a key concept: understanding a text requires understanding its parts, but understanding the parts requires understanding the whole.
Examples
- Biblical hermeneutics seeks to uncover the original meaning intended by the authors of scripture. 圣经解释学试图揭示经文作者的原始意图。La hermenéutica bíblica busca descubrir el significado original que pretendían los autores de las escrituras.聖書の解釈学は、聖典の著者が意図した本来の意味を解明しようとするものです。성경 해석학은 성경 저자들이 의도한 본래의 의미를 밝히고자 합니다.
- Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics argues that all understanding is shaped by the interpreter's historical context. 伽达默尔的哲学解释学认为,所有的理解都受到解释者的历史语境的影响。La hermenéutica filosófica de Gadamer sostiene que toda comprensión está condicionada por el contexto histórico del intérprete.ガダマーの哲学的解釈学は、すべての理解は解釈者の歴史的文脈によって形作られると主張しています。가다머의 철학적 해석학은 모든 이해가 해석자의 역사적 맥락에 의해 형성된다고 주장합니다.
- Legal hermeneutics involves interpreting statutes and constitutional provisions in light of their purpose and history. 法律解释学涉及根据法规和宪法条款的目的和历史背景进行解读。La hermenéutica jurídica implica interpretar leyes y disposiciones constitucionales a la luz de su propósito y su historia.法的解釈学は、法律や憲法の規定をその目的と歴史に照らして解釈することを含みます。법적 해석학은 법률과 헌법 조항을 그 목적과 역사에 비추어 해석하는 것을 포함합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek hermeneutikos (of or for interpreting), from hermeneuein (to interpret), traditionally linked to Hermes, the messenger god who interpreted the will of the gods for mortals. Entered English in the early 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free