Title: Hermeneutics and Criticism
Subject Classification:  Philosophy, Morals  
BIC Classification: HP
BISAC Classification: PHI036000, PHI026000, SOC026040
Binding: Hardback, eBook
Publication date: 18 Oct 2024
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-80441-752-2
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-80441-753-9

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Description

Hermeneutics and criticism explores the status of ideals in contemporary society. It demonstrates how ideals have become less meaningful over time, and questions the role of critical theory in their decline.

To unpick the relationship between hermeneutics, ideals, and criticism, the book reengages the traditional methods of dialectic and rhetoric. It challenges the claims of recent critical theory, such as the ontological turn and new materialism/realism, that reality can be speculated upon aside from ideals. The author argues that speculation on reality without ideals becomes self-fulfilling; the more that conceptions of reality are detached from ideals, the more disaffirming those understandings of reality become.

Critical reengagement with ideals is imperative to give consequence to the meaning of ethics, morality and discussions of what society and humanity should resemble. The hermeneutic method that the book employs revitalises ideals without regressing to idealism verses realism.

The book reconceptualises ‘contrast’ as a means to reinstate the consequences of ideals without distortion. It's a vital read for those daring to challenge the status quo of critical theory, whilst incorporating their relevance to the philosophy of communication.

Biography

Author(s):  Dr. Richard Boulton is a Lecturer at City St George’s, University of London, UK

Reviews

"Hermeneutics and Criticism takes on the ambitious task of exploring the fractured nature of contemporary ideals and their uncertain future. It argues that the root of the contemporary social crises lies in our inability to apprehend ideals in meaningful ways. What stands out most is the author’s recognition of a stark disconnect: while public movements and campaigns for justice are vibrant, academic theorists seem hesitant—if not downright hostile—to progress and ethical ideals, leaving a widening gap between critical theory and lived politics. Attempts to encourage a scientifically informal, moral neutrality have also resulted in political failure. By revisiting notions of telos, hermeneutics, and progress, the author emphasizes the need for dynamic, adaptable ideals that resist conversion into simplistic ideologies. The result is both timely and refreshingly nuanced."
- Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm, Francis Christopher Oakley Third Century Professor of Religion, Chair of Science & Technology Studies, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA

"Philosophy begins in difference, perhaps none more important and influential than that which had opposed the method of dialectic to rhetoric. The conflict between these two different ways to address and respond to difference has arguably been definitive of the history of Western thought. From the dialogues of Plato to Hegelian dialectic and beyond with efforts in deconstruction, poststructuralism and non-binary logic, the opposition has persisted and seems to be irreducible. Hermeneutics and Criticism, by contrast, offers us a different approach, proposing a method of “rhetoric dialectic” that occupies what one might call the radical middle. It is a bold and adventurous contribution to thinking outside the box of the tradition."
- David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois University, USA