Hermeneutics is both a science and an art focused on the theory and practice of interpretation, especially of texts, language, and symbolic expressions. It encompasses the rules, principles, and methodologies used to uncover meaning, clarify ambiguity, and explain the underlying intent behind written or spoken material.
Originally developed for interpreting religious scriptures and classical literature, hermeneutics has since expanded into fields like philosophy, law, and social sciences. It goes beyond mere literal understanding to explore context, cultural background, authorial intention, and the reader’s perspective. This makes interpretation a dynamic, interactive process rather than a mechanical decoding of words.
At its core, hermeneutics recognizes that meaning is never fixed or purely objective; it evolves through dialogue between the text, its context, and those engaging with it. This approach challenges simplistic readings, emphasizing the complexity of understanding language, symbols, and human communication.