Hermeneutical theory is primarily concerned with the interpretation of texts and symbols, seeking to understand their meaning and significance within their historical and cultural contexts.

Wilhelm Dilthey is widely regarded as the father of modern hermeneutics, having developed a comprehensive theory of interpretation that emphasized the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of a text.

The hermeneutical circle refers to the dynamic process of interpretation, where the reader's understanding of a text influences their interpretation of other parts of the text, and vice versa, leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the text as a whole.

Fore-structure refers to the reader's prior knowledge, beliefs, and expectations that shape their interpretation of a text, influencing how they understand and make sense of its content.

The goal of hermeneutical interpretation is to understand the meaning of a text within its historical and cultural context, taking into account the author's intentions, the reader's perspective, and the broader cultural and social factors that shape the interpretation.

Martin Heidegger emphasized the importance of understanding the 'lifeworld' (Lebenswelt) in interpreting texts, arguing that the reader's own experiences and cultural background shape their understanding of a text's meaning.

Double hermeneutics refers to the idea that interpretation is always mediated by the interpreter's own perspective, acknowledging that the interpreter's background, experiences, and biases influence their understanding of a text.

Hans-Georg Gadamer developed the concept of 'productive misunderstanding,' arguing that misunderstandings can lead to new and deeper insights into a text's meaning.

Horizon fusion refers to the merging of the reader's and author's horizons of understanding, allowing for a deeper and more comprehensive interpretation of a text.

Jacques Derrida emphasized the importance of 'play' and 'undecidability' in interpretation, arguing that texts are open to multiple and potentially contradictory interpretations.

Hermeneutics of suspicion refers to the approach to interpretation that seeks to uncover hidden meanings and motives in a text, often associated with the work of Paul Ricoeur and Michel Foucault.

Gianni Vattimo developed the concept of 'weak thought,' arguing for an interpretation that is open-ended, non-dogmatic, and embraces uncertainty.

Hermeneutical phenomenology refers to the approach to interpretation that combines hermeneutics and phenomenology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the lived experience of the reader in interpreting a text.

Emmanuel Levinas emphasized the importance of 'care' and 'solicitude' in interpretation, arguing that interpretation should be guided by a concern for the other and a desire for understanding.

Radical hermeneutics refers to the approach to interpretation that seeks to challenge and subvert traditional hermeneutical methods, often associated with the work of Paul Ricoeur and Michel Foucault.