This Very Short Introduction to hermeneutics demonstrates the central role of interpretation in our daily lives. By considering the historic developments in hermeneutic theory as well as its contemporary relevance, Zimmermann explains how humans continue to draw knowledge from the world around them.

• Preface


• 1: What is Hermeneutics?


• 2: Hermeneutics: A brief history


• 3: Philosophical hermeneutics


• 4: Hermeneutics and theology


• 5: Hermeneutics and law


• 6: Hermeneutics and science


• 7: Hermeneutics and the humanities


• References


• Further reading


• Index

Jens Zimmermann is Professor of Humanities and Canada Research Chair for Interpretation, Religion and Culture at Trinity Western University, Canada. As well as speaking on the importance of hermeneutics and religion to lay audiences and graduate students, he has published books on theological hermeneutics in both English and German and has written articles on hermeneutics in academic journals. He is author of Politics and the Religious Imagination (Routledge, 2010) and Humanism and Religion (OUP, 2012).