Weber, Geertz, and Ricoeur on Explanation and Interpretation

Robert A. Segal

doi:10.1558/bsor.v43i1.25

Weber, Geertz, and Ricoeur on Explanation and Interpretation

Robert A. Segal

Religious Studies

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

One perennial issue in the study of religion is the relationship between explanation and interpretation. Explanation provides causes. Interpretation provides meanings. The issue is the relationship between causes and meanings, for which rough synonyms are reasons, motives, intentions, and purposes. This article presents three of the most common positions on the relationship: those of Max Weber, Clifford Geertz, and Paul Ricoeur. The aim is not to endorse any of the positions but simply to compare them.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	25-33
Number of pages	9
Journal	Bulletin for the Study of Religion
Volume	43
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1558/bsor.v43i1.25
Publication status	Published - Feb 2014

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title = "Weber, Geertz, and Ricoeur on Explanation and Interpretation",

abstract = "One perennial issue in the study of religion is the relationship between explanation and interpretation. Explanation provides causes. Interpretation provides meanings. The issue is the relationship between causes and meanings, for which rough synonyms are reasons, motives, intentions, and purposes. This article presents three of the most common positions on the relationship: those of Max Weber, Clifford Geertz, and Paul Ricoeur. The aim is not to endorse any of the positions but simply to compare them.",

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AB - One perennial issue in the study of religion is the relationship between explanation and interpretation. Explanation provides causes. Interpretation provides meanings. The issue is the relationship between causes and meanings, for which rough synonyms are reasons, motives, intentions, and purposes. This article presents three of the most common positions on the relationship: those of Max Weber, Clifford Geertz, and Paul Ricoeur. The aim is not to endorse any of the positions but simply to compare them.

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Weber, Geertz, and Ricoeur on Explanation and Interpretation

Abstract

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