Towards a relational hermeneutic : an investigation in historical pragmatics with special reference to the appropriation of speech act theory in the biblical and theological hermeneutics of Anthony Thiselton

Abstract

This thesis exploits recent research in the field of pragmatics and the emerging field of historical pragmatics to make the case for a relational hermeneutic that can facilitate an integrated approach with the concerns of theology as these arise within the grammar of the biblical texts. In the first part of the study the nature and status of language is shown to be central to the hermeneutic problematic. The interface of the philosophy of language with biblical and theological hermeneutics is investigated through critical discussion of Anthony Thiselton's appeal to speech act theory. It is argued that the trajectory in H. Paul Grice's philosophy of language is better able to elucidate the hermeneutic task. In particular, speech act theory struggles" account for the dialogical and conversational nature of discourse. In turn, this has serious consequences for Thiselton's attempt to integrate theology with his philosophical hermeneutics. It is argued that a theological account of language depends on priority being given to relational rather than institutional or even social considerations. In pali two a revised account of Brown and Levinson's theory of politeness is used as a basis for developing a relational hermeneutic. Consideration of Piene Bourdieu' s social anthropology and Erving Goffman's analysis of social interaction invite further revision in light of Pauline anthropology. This revised framework is better able to account for the logic of Paul's appeal to the cross and the participant role of the Spirit in I Cor. I: 18-2: 16. Specifically, description of the theological horizon in Paul's discourse is essential within the terms of a relational hermeneutic and no special pleadings need be made. Finally, the implications for pragmatics as well as for theological and biblical hermeneutics are noted.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo