Threads of Understanding

Abstract

Interpretation is a multifaceted ability which serves to understand and convey meaning accurately and effectively, in diverse contexts, while using the available data parsimoniously, plausibly and comprehensively. Its role in philosophical counseling is wide: it opens perspectives, it reveals one’s level of anchoring in common sense and evidence, sharpens one’s sensitivity to detail, promotes self-reflection, facilitates the exploration and examination of ideas and one’s particular understanding of them. It also promotes critical reflection and learning to handle differences of opinion effectively and insightfully. Thus, developing this competence serves both clients and counselors in becoming more aware of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of: linguistic proficiency, reading comprehension, cultural awareness, critical thinking capacities. Our lead question in this brief research into the art of hermeneutics inquires into what it takes to assess, to challenge and to develop one’s interpretive capacity. We formulate a brief theoretical guide to interpretation work, with the aid of relevant reference literature, and then, as a practical example, we present a philosophical group experience in which we explore stoic ideas, making use of interpretation skills, through reading, group consultation and self-consultation. Our findings are meant to inspire and support practitioners in facilitating such interpretive exercises and, while doing so, in dealing with the obstacles and problems that may arise in the way people interpret ancient texts and ideas, all while acknowledging various expressive manifestations of their ancient and contemporary interlocutors.