Die Kunst des Verstehens

In this book, Ingolf U. Dalferth outlines a philosophical theory of hermeneutics, which unfolds hermeneutics as the theory and art of the practice of understanding. Understanding is a basic orientational activity of human beings who orientate themselves in the complex meaning worlds of human life through communicating with others in and through texts. The book analyses the understanding of understanding (philosophical hermeneutics), what it means to communicate through texts (semiotic hermeneutics of texts), how this characterises human life and existence (existential hermeneutics of Dasein ), and how this can help to elucidate the complex meaning practices of Christian life and faith (theological hermeneutics of faith).

Born 1948; 1977 Promotion; 1982 Habilitation; Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Symbolism and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Zurich; Danforth Professor Emeritus of Philosophy of Religion at Claremont Graduate University in California; Fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study in South Africa.