Hermeneutics vs Critical Inquiry - Essay Example

Compare Hermeneutics with Critical Inquiry This paper intends to provide a brief comparison about two philosophical theories which include Hermeneutics and Critical Inquiry. In this context, it can be comprehended that both the theories are quite important with regard to interpreting ancient texts and situations on the basis of the knowledge gained from humanities. It has been observed that both the theories have some differences as well as similarities, which have been apparently discussed within the study. Secondary sources suggested that both the methods are pivotal in the domain of inquiry and their objectivity is more or less similar. However, they differ in the domain of principles that are implemented while analyzing texts or situations. Keywords: critical theory, experience, hermeneutics, principles etc. Introduction Hermeneutics refers to the approach of interpretation of text, which includes biblical excerpts, literature of wisdom and other complicated text among others. Exegesis which is a synonym to the word Hermeneutics has extensive use in the domain of both verbal and non-verbal communication. In order to get an appropriate understanding about any particular text or excerpts, the presence of hermeneutics is inevitable. Hermeneutics saw its existence since the ancient Greek era. This aspect emerged as a part of the human theory initiated by Wilhelm Dilthey and Friedrich Schleiermacher. On the other hand, critical theory includes approach or a particular set of thoughts that is used to assess the society with the assistance of the knowledge gained from humanities as well as social sciences. In the ancient days, methods of enquiry primarily comprise dialectic method where argument was used to interpret about a particular study or text. As per the history is concerned the Critical Theory elaborates the neo-Marxist philosophy established in Germany. This philosophy was initiated by the philosopher Max Horkheimer the then director of Frankfurt School. Some of the famous philosophers that were involved with the use of such enquiry method include Confucius, Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas among others (Patricia, 2010). The two selected theory i.e. Hermeneutics and Critical theory are mainly compared with the intention to develop a better understanding of the two along with identifying the effectiveness of each of the theories in the present day context (Roberge, 2011). The key issue of debate among the two philosophies Hermeneutics and Critical theory is due to the differences in the opinion of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Jurgen Habermas, and between Richard Rorty and Thomas McCarthy respectively. Discussion Key Aspects of Both the Inquiry Methods It has been comprehended that both Hermeneutics and Critical theory have extensive prevalence in the present day philosophical domain. Each of the concepts has their own set of key features, which is vital to discuss. Some of the specific characteristics of Hermeneutics enquiry include seeking better understanding, situating the location of interpretation, understanding the role of language and history in text interpretation, inquiry in the form of conversation and embracing ambiguity during inquiry among others. Notably, such inquiry method intends to present a better and concise understanding of the text rather than delivering only explanation. Language and history are provided with maximum importance during the process of interpretation in such methods (Kinsella, 2006). On the other hand, there are also certain specific features or characteristics that are associated with the approach of critical theory of inquiry. It is believed that critical theory approach mainly relates with analysis through the assistance of give and take conversation that can ensure a more succinct interpretation of any particular excerpt, text or practical situation. Critical theory is deemed to be narrower as compared to other theories including Hermeneutics. It directly works towards liberation of people from a particular circumstances rather than accommodating people with the same. It works on the basis of descriptive and normative principles with regard to any particular inquiry. It is applicable in both natural and social sciences. The primarily focus of such theories is towards gaining democracy for people. It has also been learnt that both the theories can be duly aligned with the intention to structure a better interpretation process for a situation or text (Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2007; Stanford University, 2005). Comparison of the Two Inquiry Approaches Notably, hermeneutics is an art of interpreting any particular aspect on the basis of its observation. It is an important and integral part of qualitative inquiry in the present day societal context. The research that is conducted within the hermeneutics inquiry approach relates with implicit philosophical aspects. It has been learnt that factors such as greater attention to the tradition during inquiry of qualitative research also resemblance with hermeneutics to a broader extent altogether. It is used mainly to interpret ancient texts in the past. However, in the present day scenario, hermeneutics is also extensively applied in the field of human sciences for numerous interpretative acts. The use of hermeneutics began during the late eighteenth century with the only purpose to interpret the text of ancient time. In the present day, the use of the concept both verbal as well as non-verbal communication has been apparent. Furthermore, in the contemporary scenario the use of semiotics and presuppositions has also emerged as an important part of hermeneutics. All these approaches one way or the other intends to provide coherent explanation of texts from different periods (Radford, 1991). In similar regard, critical inquiry is also a particular approach of inquiry that is used for the purpose of interpretation. It involves critical interpretation of a text with the intention to gain a proper insight about a particular text or scenario (Academia, n.d.). Similar to that of the inquiry approach involved in hermeneutics, critical theory also deals with the past history and tradition of any particular element in order to emerge with a coherent answer for a particular issue (Kinsella, 2006). Contrasting Features of the Two Inquiry Approaches Both the process of inquiry is similar in terms of the result they intend to deliver. However, both the inquiry differs mainly in the process of their approach of interpretation of scenario or any text. It has been learnt that the inquiry process of hermeneutics works with the principle of conservatism owing to the aspect that emphasize primarily on historical evidences, language clarity and tradition while interpreting a particular set of text or data. On the other hand, the approach of critical theory focuses more on comprehending a critical reflection of the scenario or a given text so that better interpretation can be assured (Torres & Arnove, 2007). Again, it has also been highlighted in several studies that critical theory works on the basis of conventional consciousness while on the contrary hermeneutics follow the principle of post conventional consciousness. The difference between the two approaches of inquiry can also be seen in the domain of modern and conservative approach along with tradition and history among others (Shapcott, 2001). The differences are between the nature of interpretation and the role it plays in creating human knowledge. The differences among the two aspects are due to the foundational knowledge. It has further been noted that hermeneutics presents the facts and interpretation of the text in a hypothetical manner as it holds less resemblance with past traditions and historical records. On the other hand, critical theory conducts inquiry of a particular scenario or text on the basis of the past tradition through analyzing the history associated with the same (Owen, 2002). Compare Contrast Hermeneutics Critical Theory Hermeneutics Critical Theory It is used for the purpose of interpretation of texts It is also used for providing explanation for any particular scenario It considers practical or present day criterion for interpreting text It considers historical evidences for interpretation It is a method of inquiry It is also a method used for inquiring any given situation It works on post-conventional consciousness It works on conventional consciousness It resembles with qualitative research It is also a form of qualitative research It interprets texts in a hypothetical manner It interprets texts and situations on the basis of critical reflection It provides broader understanding of the text It provides broader understanding of any situation It is based on the modern day approach as well It is based on the principle of conservative approach Conclusion From the overall analysis, it can be comprehended that both Hermeneutics and Critical Theory are used as methods of interpretation of texts and situations on the basis of contemporary and historical insights. These approaches have both similarities as well as differences especially with regard to the principle. Notably, critical theory follows a critical reflection approach, while Hermeneutics follows a hypothetical approach towards interpretation of texts. To conclude the discussion, two critical questions relevant to future have been framed below: What can be the practical application of “Hermeneutics and Critical Theory” in the present day scenario? What is the significance of Hermeneutics and Critical Theory towards political and ethical aspect? References Academia. (n.d.). Discuss how critical theory responds to the problems of positivist’s social science. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1745680/critical_theory_against_positivism Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2007). to analyze thinking we must identify and question its elemental structures. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model1.htm Kinsella, E. A. (2006). Hermeneutics and critical hermeneutics: exploring possibilities within the art of interpretation. Qualitative Social Research, 7(3), 19. Owen, D. S. (2002). Between reason and history: Habermas and the idea of progress. SUNY Press. Patricia, H. H. (2010). Finding freedom in the classroom: a practical introduction to critical theory. NY: Peter Lang. Roberge, J. (2011). What is critical hermeneutics? Sage, 106(1), 5-22. Radford, G. P. (1991). Hermeneutics: an intellectual tradition for communication studies. Retrieved from http://www.theprofessors.net/hermen.html Shapcott, R. (2001). Justice, community and dialogue in international relations. Cambridge University Press. Stanford University. (2005). Critical theory. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/critical-theory/ Torres, C. A., & Arnove, R. F. (2007). Comparative education: the dialectic of the global and the local. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Read More