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Last month's column discussed phenomenology and explained that the term hermeneutics often is used in conjunction or even in confusion with the term phenomenology. This column will define and provide a background of hermeneutics. The relationship that hermeneutics has with phenomenology also will be reviewed. The column will conclude with a discussion of critical hermeneutics and its research implications.
DEFINITION AND BACKGROUND
A simple definition of hermeneutics is textual interpretation, or, in other words, finding meaning in the written word. Two embedded assumptions of hermeneutics are that humans experience the world through language and this language provides both understanding and knowledge. The term hermeneutics was derived from two words-the Greek verb hermeneuein, meaning to interpret, and the noun hermeneia, meaning interpretation.1 This method of textual analysis emphasizes the sociocultural and historic influences on qualitative interpretation. It also exposes hidden meanings.2
Historically, hermeneutics has been associated with the interpretation of biblical texts. Religious leaders sought to identify the literal or authentic meanings of religious texts so they could explain how to live a Christian life. Early monks analyzed literary works through a method termed reconstruction (ie, forming a new perspective) to find the original intended meaning. Hermeneutics has evolved from an analysis of biblical texts to a method used to gain understanding of human nature.3
PHENOMENOLOGY AND HERMENEUTICS AS APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING
A close link between phenomenology and hermeneutics has resulted in the interchangeable use of the terms; however, philosophical beliefs differ among phenomenologists and hermeneutic philosophers.4 Phenomenology focuses on a person's lived experience and elicits commonalties and shared meanings, whereas hermeneutics refers to an interpretation of textual language.
Although there is no absolute or universal definition of either term, when these concepts are used together, they usually are closely related to qualitative research methods that use words or narratives as the basis to gain understanding. Researchers must define these terms and link them with a particular philosophy or approach as they develop the framework for a research study.
Hermeneutic analysis primarily focuses on texts as a research data source. These texts can be generated by stories, interviews, participant observations, diaries, literature, letters, or other relevant documents.5 One article identifies three strategies for generating nursing stories, including storytelling, narration, and critical incident technique.6 Although the backgrounds...