Interpretationswunsch

Interpretationswunsch is a German term used in hermeneutics, literary theory, and social sciences to denote the wish or bias to interpret a text, event, or phenomenon in a predetermined way. It describes a tendency to read into data a preferred meaning, often guided by prior theories, expectations, or ideological commitments, rather than exploring the full range of possible interpretations. The term literally combines Interpretation and Wunsch (desire or wish).

In scholarly discourse, Interpretationswunsch is treated as a potential source of interpretive error. It can operate at all levels of analysis, from close reading of a literary text to the evaluation of empirical findings. Recognizing the phenomenon involves examining assumptions, seeking alternative readings, and testing readings against evidence. The concept is related to, but distinct from, neutral or exploratory interpretation; it highlights a cognitive or methodological bias that may constrain openness to other possibilities.

Common contexts include literary criticism, biblical exegesis, and legal interpretation, where a reader or judge might be predisposed to a particular conclusion. It is closely linked to broader ideas of motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, and the hermeneutic circle, which describes how interpretation is influenced by preconceptions that are themselves shaped by ongoing interpretation.

See also: motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, hermeneutics.