Hermeneutics and Philosophy: Understanding Meaning
Hermeneutical Methods
Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation, focusing on understanding the meaning of texts. Initially a task confined to textual analysis, in the 19th century, hermeneutics expanded beyond texts to encompass understanding the universal nature of interpretation. Hermeneutics has two primary goals:
- To address the inadequacy of modern science’s method in understanding history. Modern science explains the causes of events, but this is insufficient for a complete understanding of history.
- To answer the question: How can we understand the elements involved in human actions and historical events to grasp the meaning of those actions?
There are two approaches to answering these questions:
- Non-normative Hermeneutics: Philosophy, through hermeneutics, possesses the capacity for understanding. All understanding depends on perspective, and the goal is not to achieve a single “better” understanding.
- Normative Hermeneutics: This approach seeks criteria for understanding, distinguishing between valid and invalid interpretations. It emphasizes respecting the validity of language to avoid incorrect understanding.
Philosophical Knowledge
Aristotle distinguished between theoretical and practical knowledge.
Theoretical Philosophy
- Logic: Propaedeutic; analyzes the rules of thought.
- Metaphysics: Understanding the structure of reality.
- Ontology: The study of being and existence.
- Gnoseology: The study of knowledge and its foundations.
- Theodicy: Rational knowledge about the nature of God.
- Philosophical Anthropology: The study of human reality.
- Philosophy of Nature: Reflection on the physical world.
- Science, Technology, and Philosophy of Science: Explores the techniques of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Philosophy of Language: The study of language.
Practical Philosophy
Practical philosophy deals with human action, encompassing:
- Ethical Philosophy
- Art Philosophy
- Economy Philosophy
- Law Philosophy
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of Religion
Why and For What Purpose Do We Philosophize?
Philosophical knowledge may appear non-essential in a rapidly changing world. The pace of social change is fast, and practical knowledge, such as reading newspapers, seems more immediately necessary. Scientific knowledge and technological mastery are highly valued. However, philosophical knowledge requires effort and offers distinct characteristics:
- It strives for rationality and objectivity, clarifying complex issues.
- It addresses the universal dimensions of life, transcending the specifics of science and culture.
- It employs rational criticism to address dogma and understand the basis of our attitudes.
- It is reflective, using these criteria to examine knowledge.
- It is argumentative and critical, providing reasons that interlocutors can understand and potentially approve.
- It is systematic, generating arguments within a coherent structure.
- It is integrative, providing a holistic view of knowledge and action.