Why Does Hermeneutics Matter?

We see it every day—the problem of misunderstanding and misreading meaning and intentions. It can be the cause of frustration, hurt, and even violence. Hermeneutics is the branch of philosophy interested in how the interpretation of language, symbols, texts, and even the nature of existence requires a nuanced and open-minded approach. It can potentially help us to resolve a lot of the problems of miscommunication. Listen to three experts—Andreea Deciu Ritivoi (Carnegie Mellon University, USA), David Utsler (North Central Texas College, USA), and Nicholas Davey (University of Dundee, UK)—reflect on the importance of hermeneutics and why it matters to our everyday lives. Living Philosophy is brought to you by Philosophy2u.com. Host: Dr Todd Mei Sponsors: Philosophy2u.com Hillary Hutchinson, Career and Change Coach at Transitioning Your Life Hermeneutics in Real Life Links Related to this Episode: Andreea Deciu Ritivoi (Carnegie Mellon University) David Utsler (Discursive Dialectics) Nicholas Davey (Wikipedia) Intro to Hermeneutics (YouTube) Hans Georg-Gadamer (SEP) Paul Ricoeur (SEP) Wilhelm Dilthey (SEP) Georgia Warnke (PhilPeople) Antigone (Wikipedia) Anthropocentrism (Oxford Bibliographies) Reading Suggestions by the Panelists Hans Weidenfeld, Absolute Nothingness Walter Kempowski, Swangsong 1945 Wilhelm Dilthey, Introduction to the Human Sciences Clifford Geertz, The Interpretation of Culture Wolfgang Iser, The Range of Interpretation Gianni Vattimo, Beyond Interpretation: The Meaning of Hermeneutics for Philosophy Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion Walter Benjamin, The Storyteller: Tales Out of Loneliness Music: Earth and the Moon, by Ketsa Logo Art: Angela Silva, Dattura Studios Living Philosophy is brought to you by Philosophy2u.com.