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 MeiSponsors:Philosophy2u.comHillary Hutchinson, Career and Change Coach at Transitioning Your LifeHermeneutics in Real LifeLinks 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 PanelistsHans Weidenfeld, Absolute NothingnessWalter Kempowski, Swangsong 1945Wilhelm Dilthey, Introduction to the Human SciencesClifford Geertz, The Interpretation of CultureWolfgang Iser, The Range of InterpretationGianni Vattimo, Beyond Interpretation: The Meaning of Hermeneutics for PhilosophyMircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of ReligionWalter Benjamin, The StorytellerLiving Philosophy is brought to you by Philosophy2u.com.