Twin horizons: Gadamer’s ‘Ontology of the Work of Art’ and the Jacob and Esau narrative in Genesis 25-33

Evans, Paul 2024. Twin horizons: Gadamer’s ‘Ontology of the Work of Art’ and the Jacob and Esau narrative in Genesis 25-33. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis demonstrates how the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer offers more to the use of art in biblical interpretation than is traditionally recognised. While the oft-cited concepts of Wirkungsgeschichte and a fusion of horizons have afforded academic legitimacy to such use, the thesis illustrates how Gadamer’s ‘Ontology of the Work of Art’ is not only critical to the development of his hermeneutics, but is a penetrating examination of the nature of our engagement with artworks. He makes the striking claim that religious pictures are in ontological communion with the Scripture they interpret. They do more than symbolise or represent; such works make real and present their subject matter. The thesis identifies the integral link between Gadamer’s focus on art and his overarching claim that all understanding is historically situated. It contextualises his ideas through a review of philosophical debate about the influence of history and tradition, and whether art is capable of conveying truths. While Gadamer stresses the power of art to encourage reflection on personal experience, he rarely offers practical examples of such power and reflection; and while he suggests a communion of religious image and word, his detailed ontology of artworks is not matched by a commensurate examination of the nature of Scripture. The thesis addresses these apparent omissions by considering the nature of the Old Testament and by conducting a critique of artworks that interpret key events in the narrative of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25-33. The thesis identifies synergies between Gadamer’s hermeneutics and the principles of Practical theology and draws upon those relationships to inform autobiographical reflection and practical application; in so doing it offers a model for the use of art in biblical interpretation which is guided by Gadamer’s ‘Ontology of the Work of Art’.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BH Aesthetics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BS The Bible B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	28 March 2025
Date of Acceptance:	21 March 2025
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2025 14:23
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/177236

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