Hermeneútíska

Hermeneútíska, or hermeneutics, is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of biblical texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. It originated in ancient Greece as a way to understand the meaning of difficult passages in scripture and later expanded to encompass the interpretation of any written text. At its core, hermeneutics seeks to understand the meaning embedded within a text by considering its historical context, linguistic nuances, and the author's intent.

The practice of hermeneutics involves a circular process known as the hermeneutic circle. This means that understanding the whole text requires understanding its parts, and understanding the parts requires understanding the whole. For example, to understand a single sentence, one must consider the surrounding sentences and the overall theme of the work. This iterative process continues until a satisfactory understanding is achieved.

Over time, hermeneutics evolved from a primarily theological discipline to a broader philosophical and critical approach. Key figures like Friedrich Schleiermacher and Hans-Georg Gadamer significantly shaped modern hermeneutics, emphasizing that interpretation is not a purely objective endeavor but is influenced by the interpreter's own background and understanding. Gadamer's concept of the "fusion of horizons" suggests that understanding occurs when the interpreter's own historical perspective merges with that of the text's author. Hermeneutics is now applied in various fields, including literature, law, history, and social sciences, to unravel complex meanings and promote deeper comprehension.