The three horizons : a study in biblical hermeneutics with special reference to Wolfhart Pannenberg
This thesis is concerned with the 'problem of hermeneutics', particularly as it applies to the interpretation of the Bible. A number of different approaches have been employed in order to try to bridge the distance between the past and the present. Hans-Georg Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics, which describes understanding as a 'fusion of horizons', has been influential. However, Gadamer has been criticized by a number of thinkers, particularly Emilio Betti and E.D. Hirsch, for not giving an adequate account of how a measure of objectivity or validity is possible in interpretation. This thesis presents a description of interpretation which resolves some of the apparent conflicts between these schools by presenting them as accounts of two, complementary levels of one interpretative process, levels related in a type of hermeneutical circle relation. Nevertheless, Betti and Hirsch's concerns for objectivity and validity could still not be satisfied without grounding this hermeneutical circle relation in an adequate ontology. To do this, the thesis turns to the work of Wolfhart Pannenberg. This thesis argues that Pannenberg, while accepting much of Gadamer's hermeneutics, goes beyond Gadamer and provides many
McHann, James Clark
Philosophy
The three horizons : a study in biblical hermeneutics with special reference to Wolfhart Pannenberg. This thesis is concerned with the 'problem of hermeneutics', particularly as it applies to the interpretation of the Bible. A number of different approaches have been employed in order to try to bridge the distance between the past and the present. Hans-Georg Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics, which describes understanding as a 'fusion of horizons', has been influential. However, Gadamer has been criticized by a number of thinkers, particularly Emilio Betti and E.D. Hirsch, for not giving an adequate account of how a measure of objectivity or validity is possible in interpretation. This thesis presents a description of interpretation which resolves some of the apparent conflicts between these schools by presenting them as accounts of two, complementary levels of one interpretative process, levels related in a type of hermeneutical circle relation. Nevertheless, Betti and Hirsch's concerns for objectivity and validity could still not be satisfied without grounding this hermeneutical circle relation in an adequate ontology. To do this, the thesis turns to the work of Wolfhart Pannenberg. This thesis argues that Pannenberg, while accepting much of Gadamer's hermeneutics, goes beyond Gadamer and provides many
horizon study biblical hermeneutics special_reference concern problem hermeneutics particularly applies interpretation bible number_different approach_employ order try bridge distance past_present hans_georg_gadamer philosophical_hermeneutics describes fusion horizon influential however gadamer criticize number thinker particularly give_adequate account measure objectivity validity possible interpretation present description interpretation resolve apparent conflict school present_account two_complementary level interpretative process level relate type hermeneutical circle relation nevertheless concern objectivity validity could still satisfy without ground hermeneutical circle relation adequate ontology turn work argue accept much gadamer hermeneutics beyond gadamer provide many