Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Hermeneutics and the Interdisciplinary Question
Chapter 2: Ricoeur and the Expansion of Hermeneutics
Chapter 3: Interpretation as Understanding Through Explanation
Chapter 4: Interpretation and the Natural Sciences
Chapter 5: Interdisciplinary Interpretation
Conclusion

About the Author

Kenneth A. Reynhout is an adjunct instructor of philosophy and religion at The College of New Jersey. He is broadly trained in theology, philosophy, and ethics as both contemporary and historical disciplines, and also holds advanced degrees in mathematics. His research focuses on the interdisciplinary intersection of philosophy, science, and religious and moral reflection, with a particular interest in applying underutilized resources from continental philosophy to problems generated by the contemporary dialogue between religion and science. He was formerly the Co-Director of the Science for Ministry Institute, a comprehensive continuing education program in theology and science for clergy and scientists at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Reviews

Kenneth Reynhout . . . has made a novel contribution not only in the science and theology dialogue but also in the philosophy of science and hermeneutic and interdisciplinary studies. . . . [A] superb work of scholarship. The book is consistent with Ricoeur’s thought but has a freshness that goes well beyond Ricoeur . . . [This] book is highly accessible and can, therefore, act as an introduction to both Ricoeur and to interdisciplinary studies in science and theology.
*Theology and Science*

Furthermore hermeneutics could function as a bridge between interreligious/intercultural dialogue and the dialogue between theology and natural science. This is exactly what for me personally is so exciting about Kenneth A. Reynhouts’ study Interdisciplinary Interpretation – that it crosses borders between disciplines so far not in dialogue with each other and shows similarities i.e. analogies between different interdisciplinary dialogues as well as between the dialogue between theology and natural science and interreligious dialogue.
*European Society for the Study of Science and Theology*

For those who have worked in the science and theology dialogue for many years this book comes like a breath of fresh air. Here at last is a careful and well-argued philosophical argument for that dialogue in terms that make sense for the constructive theological task. By mining the work of Paul Ricoeur the author gives us a much needed hermeneutic basis for that dialogue, culminating in a novel thesis, namely, an argument for faith seeking understanding through explanation. But this is no facile fideism, but rather a respectful acknowledgment of the importance of commitment and self-awareness of the experience of faith in the constructive task. Although this book is geared primarily to a theological audience, scientists coming to interdisciplinary conversations would benefit enormously from a careful reading of this book. Further, the author has argued convincingly in my view that theology is the poorer without such dialogue, so theologians are beholden to consider particular ways in which they can take up the challenge presented here. While this book is no easy read, and the language is primarily philosophical rather than theological, it is well worth the effort.
*Celia Deane-Drummond, professor of theology, University of Notre Dame*

In this timely work, Kenneth Reynhout offers a foundation for establishing a sophisticated dialogue between theology and the natural sciences. He argues not only for the hermeneutic character of each but for the hermeneutic nature of the interchange. Particularly apt is his insistence that explanation —the traditional hallmark of the sciences— and understanding —the traditional hallmark of theology and the humanities— should not be characterized as separate spheres but as dialectical. In extending hermeneutic analysis to the natural sciences, Reynhout builds on and also responsibly goes beyond the hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur. At the same time he importantly enlarges our conception of hermeneutics’ reach.
*George H. Taylor, Professor of Law, University of Pittsburgh*