eregesis

Eregesis is a term that has seen limited usage and its precise meaning can vary depending on context. Historically, it has been used in a philosophical and literary sense to describe the act of a person rereading or reinterpreting something they themselves have written. This could involve revisiting an earlier work to gain new understanding, to revise it, or to reflect on its initial creation. It implies a process of internal critique or self-analysis through the lens of one's own past output.

In some instances, the term might also be used in a more general sense to refer to any act of rereading or re-examination, not necessarily limited to one's own work. However, this broader application is less common. The concept of eregesis is distinct from exegesis, which typically refers to the critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious one, by someone other than the author. The self-referential nature is a key characteristic of eregesis. Due to its infrequent use, eregesis is not a widely recognized or standardized term within academic or literary circles.