Question

Which one of the following refers to an approach that was originally devised to understand or interpret theological texts?

• A. Hermeneutics
• B. Epistemology
• C. Ontology
• D. Phenomenology

Hint:

Hermeneutics is rooted in religious text interpretation, but its principles are now applied to various disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and law.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the original intent of the term.

Hermeneutics was initially developed to interpret religious or theological texts, particularly the Bible. Over time, the concept evolved to encompass the interpretation of all forms of texts, including legal, philosophical, and literary works. It is concerned with understanding, translating, and explaining the meaning behind written, spoken, or symbolic texts.

Step 2: Explore the other options.

Epistemology: This is the study of knowledge—its nature, sources, and limitations. It does not specifically relate to the interpretation of texts.
Ontology: This refers to the study of being and existence, dealing with questions about what entities exist and how they can be categorized.
Phenomenology: This philosophy focuses on the study of conscious experience and how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them. While it involves interpretation, it is not specifically designed for interpreting theological texts.