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Explore the theory of hermeneutics and its impact on reading and interpretation in this 47-minute lecture from Yale University's Introduction to Theory of Literature course. Trace the origins of hermeneutic thought through Western literature and delve into the mechanics of hermeneutics, including the concept of the hermeneutic circle. Examine the works of Hans-George Gadamer, Martin Heidegger, and E. D. Hirsch, with particular focus on the emergence of "historicism" and "historicality" and their relationship to hermeneutic theory. Learn about the history of hermeneutics, the hermeneutic circle, prejudice in interpretation, Gadamer's debt to Heidegger, and the role of tradition in understanding texts. Gain insights into this fundamental aspect of literary theory and its application to textual analysis.
