A Critique and Evaluation of Gadamer's Philosophical Hermeneutics Based on the Criteria of the Interpreter with Emphasis on the Interpretive Views of Allameh Tabatabaei

Document Type : Original Article

Author

PhD in Comparative Interpretation of the Qur'an and lecturer in Islamic seminary and the university. Kowsar Higher Islamic Sciences Education Complex. Tehran Iran.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to answer the question of how Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics can be criticized and evaluated according to the criteria of the interpreter of the Qur'an. This critique and evaluation is carried out via a descriptive-analytical method and with emphasis on the interpretive views of Allameh Tabatabaei. The study of this issue indicates that Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics is one of the different styles of knowledge of the text comprehension process, which by focusing on the nature of text comprehension (for example, sacred texts) and considering the author and interpreter's criteria such as prejudice and historicity in comprehension as the same items, has created an endless period of text comprehension process and by giving full authority to the interpreter, has led to pluralism in understanding the text and, in fact, interpreting the based on their own ideas. This view can be criticized according to the interpretive views of Allameh Tabatabaei. By presenting criteria such as fair judgment and inference, avoiding the interests and preconceptions of the interpreter in understanding the text, he has not ignored the role and purpose of the author. Therefore, it has caused a quantitative and qualitative expansion of understanding of the text (sacred texts) and efficiency and lack of interpretation based on their own ideas and imposing the tastes and theories of the interpreter on the text.

Keywords


  1. * The Holy Qur'an

    * Nahj al-Balaghah

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