Although there has always been a hermeneutic problem in Christianity, the hermeneutic question today seems to us a new one.
Paul RicoeurRead
If it is true that there is always more than one way of construing a text, it is not true that all interpretations are equal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Interpretations of texts can vary, but not all interpretations hold the same value.
This quote by Paul Ricoeur suggests that while texts can be understood in multiple ways, it is important to recognize that some interpretations are more valid or insightful than others. It emphasizes the complexity of meaning in language and the need for critical interpretation, acknowledging that subjective viewpoints can differ in their merits and relevance.
Themes
InterpretationTextMeaningValuePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing literary analysis in a classroom setting.
More from Paul Ricoeur
All quotes βThe narrative constructs the identity of the character, what can be called his or her narrative identity, in constructing that of the story told. It is the identity of the story that makes the identity of the character.
Paul RicoeurRead
But myth is something else than an explanation of the world, of history, and of destiny. Myth expresses in terms of the world - that is, of the other world or the second world - the understanding that man has of himself in relation to the foundation and the limit of his existence. Hence to demythologize is to interpret myth, that is, to relate the objective representations of the myth to the self-understanding which is both shown and concealed in it.
Paul RicoeurRead
On a cosmic scale, our life is insignificant, yet this brief period when we appear in the world is the time in which all meaningful questions arise.
Paul RicoeurRead
Testimony demands to be interpreted because of the dialectic of meaning and event that traverses it.
Paul RicoeurRead
Myth expresses in terms of the world - that is, of the other world or the second world - the understanding that man has of himself in relation to the foundation and the limit of his existence.
Paul RicoeurRead
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What I want you to understand, is the full evil of those who claim to have become convinced that this earth, by its nature, is a realm of malevolence where the good has no chance to win. Let them check their premises. Let them check their standards of value. Let them check - before they grant themselves the unspeakable license of evil-as-necessity - whether they know what is the good and what are the conditions it requires.
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Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.
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I have a suggestion for a new name for the developing world. Let's call it the world.
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