Extends hermeneutic philosophy to the understanding of natural science, with a special interest in the significance of this for education. Shows how the "ontological" version of hermeneutics describes features of scientific activity neglected by most philosophies of science and education. To this end, the paper focuses especially on the…

This article focuses on the different interpretations of art reflected in six of the essays on art in educational research and teaching in this journal issue, the related views of knowledge that they imply, the tones and colors of the essay voices, and the ramifications for research, curriculum, and teaching that can be drawn from this work. (JB)

A recent article in this journal by John Smith and Joseph Blase criticized empiricism as a theoretical base for educational leadership, suggested hermeneutics as a replacement host theory, and advanced some theories of leadership. What Blase and Smith say is consistent with both hermeneutics and empiricism. However, their hermeneutical theories…

Provides discussion and critical analysis of the modern system of the "professional" and how this system goes about constructing "knowledge." Describes a growing aversion among academics to the culture of specialization. Argues that the current deconstruction of the disciplines was inevitable. Suggests the creation of a…

Proposes that English teachers recycle philology as a field of study. Redefines the shape of philology in view of postmodern theories of signification. Considers concepts of hermeneutics in retheorizing the aims of philology. Shows how such philological investigation might be used in the classroom to study literary texts. (HB)

Describes the establishment of a hermeneutic circle of portfolio researchers (writing teachers from Alaska to Florida) acting as "outside readers" for each other--six months into the project, the group established an e-mail network called "Portnet." Contemplates the group's experiences during Portnet's first year. (PA)

Observes that recent work in hermeneutics and education posits a religious dimension to education on this model. Draws on Hans-Georg Gadamer to explore: What is "hermeneutics?" and what is its relation to education? What accounts for the purportedly religious character of hermeneutic education? and, How are religious aspects of education…

Argues that the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer provides a useful theoretical framework from which to discuss ethical issues in the technical communication classroom. Analyzes a previously published case study to demonstrate how hermeneutics can shed light on the ways that writers can be unconscious of ethical problems in their…

Provides some philosophical groundwork for contemporary debates about the idea of critical thinking. Discusses three styles of critique: critical dogmatism, transcendental critique (Karl-Otto Apel), and deconstruction (Jacques Derrida). Argues that while transcendental critique is able to solve some of the problems of the dogmatic approach to…

Describes a research project that explores the experiences of five art therapy researchers. In-depth, open-ended interviews are used to explore the therapists' experiences with and views of research in therapy. (JPS)

The terms faith, spirituality, and religion are often used interchangeably, though their definitions are unique and distinct. This article discusses the nuanced differences among the three terms. It presents a model for the interrelatedness among the three important constructs and suggests ways the model can be used for further research. (Contains…

This article discusses the Carnegie Foundation's newly released report, "Educating Clergy: Teaching Practices and Pastoral Imagination," and offers recommendations on how to develop specific skills needed to perform the functions that pastors must enact, while also giving them the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to become the kinds…

Beliefs that individuals hold about knowledge and knowing, or what has been termed ''personal epistemology'', are related to learning and achievement in complex ways. These beliefs are also differentiated by discipline (e.g., math, science, history) as well as by judgment domains (e.g., personal taste, morality, meaning). This commentary on five…

This paper is based on hermeneutic research into creativity and learning mentors, focusing on mental well being and the role of the mentor throughout the creative cycle. Participants relate their experiences of the role of the mentor within the creative cycle in their own words. The researcher/participant hermeneutic dialogue shows that the…

This article takes as its starting point discussions on the nature of critical educational research. It seeks to highlight some potential pitfalls for the less experienced researcher entering the field for the first time. It also highlights the tension between the more mechanistic approaches involving categorisation and tendencies that are evident…