Heidegger, Gadamer’s hermeneutics have nothing in common with Islam
25 Jun 2012 16:39
Writer of The Theory of Textual Interpretation believes that in general philosophical hermeneutics can be used for gaining a better understanding of Islamic texts, however, the hermeneutics offered by Heidegger and Gadamer have nothing to do with Islamic teachings.
IBNA: In an interview with IBNA, Hujatoleslam Ahmad Vaezi, author, said that textual interpretation can be considered from various viewpoints. “For example, the methods and principles of interpretation of texts were the focus of attention of classical hermeneutics in early 20th century. Another aspect of textual interpretation is the theories proposed on reading of texts.”
Head of the Islamic Propagation Bureau in Qom Province said, “Textual interpretation theory is different from the methodology and principles of criticism. . . In fact, the theory of textual interpretation presented in the book is an effort to provide answers to a series queries about understanding of texts.”
“What I have presented in the book is not a new subject in general so far as Muslim thinkers are concerns; what makes it a distinguishing theory in contrast to other propositions is the expansion of topic in the theory. None of the previous Islamic thinkers have delved into the matter of philosophical hermeneutics as I have in the book,” he added. “On the other, one should bear in mind that discussions about textual interpretation are very recent topics.”
The university lecturer went on to say that the book as well covers the achievements of Muslim thinkers in textual interpretation. “I have made many references to the works of other Islamic thinkers, but this does not mean that the same work has been done by other thinkers.”
Elsewhere in his interview, he defined hermeneutics and said, “In general terms, hermeneutics is referred to philosophical contemplation of interpretation and understanding texts. I have explained in the book that philosophical hermeneutics should be viewed from two different angles: one is the general hermeneutics and the second one is the special hermeneutics which is the one presented and practiced by thinkers like Heidegger and Gadamer.”
General hermeneutics can be found in all kinds of textual interpretation, he added, whether the text is a work of art or a common text. “We can ask real and pure philosophical questions through this kind of hermeneutics. This is while queries based on special hermeneutics practiced by Heidegger and Gadamer do not lead us to correct answers in line with the Islamic bases.
The book won the 20th Book of the Season Award in its philosophy section.
