Interpretation: A Theoretical Perspective and Some Applications

Citation

Millar A & Riches JK (1981) Interpretation: A Theoretical Perspective and Some Applications. Numen, 28 (1), pp. 29-53. https://doi.org/10.1163/156852781X00025

Abstract
The article aims to show how an understanding of the workings of language as they bear on the theory of interpretation can help one to understand religious, and in particular Biblical, texts, unmasking certain confusions and indicating questions that tend to be overlooked. A network model is presented that highlights the importance of a) linguistic and conceptual change and b) appreciating that to understand a belief and its linguistic expression requires a grasp of an entire network beliefs and expressions. The perspective is applied to specific issues in Biblical interpretation.

Keywords
Biblical texts; conceptual change; interpretation; conceptual networks.

Journal
Numen: Volume 28, Issue 1

People

Professor Alan Millar

Emeritus Professor, Philosophy