Education/Development

Resource: Michael Bauman, “The Ethics of Meaning: The Case for a Conservative Hermeneutic.” Summit Ministries Web Resources

Summary: It is assumed in academia that the meaning of texts is given by the reader, not the author, resulting in a thorough-going relativism when it comes to interpretation. If this is the case, then authentic communication is no longer possible.

Report: Do words and/or texts have fixed meaning? Contemporary academic theories of interpretation suggest that the reader has the authority to determine the meaning of texts. According the Michael Bauman, this is as a hermeneutical practice in vogue due to the dominant intent of contemporary academics to undermine Western tradition, especially the classic texts which preserve for us the best Western civilization and values. However, taken to its logical end, taking the meaning of texts from the author results in a thoroughgoing relativism that would render communication (and even the academic practice of grading) to be absurd. In fact, the theory itself undermines its own ability to be communicated.

http://www.summit.org/resources/essays/2008/02/the_ethics_of_meaning_the_case.php

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