Paul Ricoeur and the methodology of the theology of liberation : the hermeneutics of J. Severino Croalto, Juan Luis Segundo and Clodovis Boff
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to a better understanding of
the theology of liberation, through the study of the influence of the
hermeneutical circle of Paul Ricoeur on its methodology.
Ricoeur is an interdisciplinary philosopher whose reflections are the
product of a Transcendental Phenomenology in dialogue with Human Sciences
and studies in the interpretation of symbols. Chapter one is an
introduction to Ricoeur's interpretation theory and his hermeneutical
circle. Chapter two deals with the specific elements of Ricoeur's Biblical
Hermeneutic, the dynamic of symbols and the theory of myths. In the second
part of chapter two we compare these elements with Rudolph Bultmann's
demythologising project, and describe Ricoeur's most important
contributions to Biblical interpretation.
Chapter three studies the development of Ricoeur's Biblical hermeneutic in
the work of three influential hermeneuticians from Latin America:
J. Severino Croatto from Argentina, Juan Luis Segundo from Uruguay, and
Clodovis Boff from Brazil. Each of these has based his interpretation
theory on Ricoeur's work. We search for the basic tensions and conflicts in
each of these three theologians, such as that between tradition and
re-creation of meaning in the Scriptures, and their ways to resolve them in
a new interpretative synthesis.
Finally, in chapter four we present our conclusions and reflections.
1) Ricoeur's contribution to liberation theology in three main areas:
the search for the Latin American identity, the actual praxis of liberation
and the development of a concept of positive utopia.
2) The influence of Ricoeur in the work of Croatto, Segundo and Boff.
3) The original contribution of liberation theology to Ricoeur'g
hermeneutical circle.
This contribution comes from the hermeneutical function of the Basic
Ecclesial Communities which complete Ricoeur's own project of a philosophy
of action.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Collections
Items in the St Andrews Research Repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.