The Hermeneutical Circle
In Appendix II of F. F. Bruce’s The Canon of Scripture, he refers to the “hermeneutical circle.” This phrase entails more than one meaning. It may be used to refer to a movement from exegesis to theology and back from theology to exegesis or it may refer to how one processes interpretively. Bruce urges care in any some circular process as it can easily result in what is called in logic a “vicious circle.” A vicious circle occurs when one assumes what he is attempting to prove therefore assuring that she arrives at the point she desires.
There have been several discussions in comments to previous blogs on one’s ability to be objective and arrive at objective truth. Bruce discusses our presuppositions, which we all inevitably have, and our ability to be objective:
The wise course is to recognize those presuppositions, to make allowance for them, to ensure that they do not exercise an undue influence on our understanding of what we read. It is the unconscious and unsuspected presuppositions that are harmful.
Regarding the attainment of total objectivity:
It is not given to mortals to attain complete objectivity… But one can at least acknowledge objectivity as an ideal and endeavor to approach it as nearly as possible, instead of decrying it as a misleading will o’ the wisp.
I think Bruce’s words are full of wisdom. Some feel there is no objective truth, while others feel that there may be objective truth but we are unable to reach it due to our inability to be objective. Bruce writes that we cannot obtain complete objectivity, but that does not keep us from obtaining knowledge of certain things. We recognize our limitations, strive constantly to be aware of our presuppositions, and follow after objective truth. It is the tendency of postmoderns to consider objectivity as a “misleading will o’ the wisp” that is unhelpful.
