Why Hermeneutics?: An Appeal Culminating with Ricoeur

In this little volume Anthony Thiselton makes an impassioned appeal for closer attention to the philosophy of hermeneutics. Emilio Betti provocatively observes that hermeneutics ought to constitute an obligatory course for most degrees in the humanities. Hermeneutics he insists teaches patience tolerance respect for other views understanding and humility while holding ones own views with firmness and generosity. Yet many teaching institutions do not yet recognize this. With this in mind Thiselton first considers and responds to those who argue that hermeneutics is not necessary. Then he considers anew more sophisticated thinkers on the subject. Types of texts and hermeneutical models he argues are almost infinite a fact many biblical scholars do not recognize. In the field of biblical hermeneutics too many view the Bible as one thing or as a monochrome landscape--it is not. The culmination of Thiseltons case consists in a sustained reflection on the impressive work of Paul Ricoeur selecting thirteen points of genuine advance his work makes. With a glossary of fifty technical terms this is a volume that will prove helpful to student and scholar alike.