The Relation of the Whole to the Part in Interpretation Theory and in the Composing Process

Abstract

Key problems in modern hermeneutics are explored: part-whole relationships and the correlated merism-holism debate, the importance of situational context in Greek and Roman rhetoric and its relation to current interpretation theory as well as composition theory, and the problems with the (dominant) sentence and theme emphases of much theory and teaching. The range of materials, of authors, and of ideas being discussed in the "new" hermeneutics is surveyed.