The Problem of Double Meaning as Hermeneutic Problem and as Semantic Problem

In this essay, Paul Ricoeur delves into the problem of the different approaches to symbolism which represent different strategic levels. Hermeneutics is a single strategic level of texts, whereas semantics is on two levels: the first being the level of lexical semantics (referring to words or names), the second being the level of structural semantics (referring to molecular units). The approach taken up is an interdisciplinary one (phenomenology, psychoanalysis, structuralism) wherein the problem of multiple meaning (called as allegory in language) i.e., while saying one thing to also say another without not saying the first. There is a conflict between philosophy of interpretation and structural science. Employing the way of analysis discovers the element of signification and employing the way of synthesis he reveals the function of signification.

            The Hermeneutical level: The length of the text, the internal organization (relation between internal and external form) and the entire signifying whole of the text articulate multiple meanings which Ricoeur approaches on a single strategic level (the homogenous plain of the text). There is diversity in various hermeneutics based on the technique used, intent, the rules of interpretation and the sense drawn from it. Symbolics is the means of expressing extra linguistic reality. Language is a closed system whereas hermeneutics is a open state. This open state is essential for interpretation to operate. Thus double meaning is the means of detecting a condition of being and symbolism is a breakthrough point of a text towards something other than itself. This breakthrough/opening is saying and this saying is showing. This is both the strength and weakness of hermeneutics. Hence he concludes that symbolism reveals the equivocalness of being.

            Lexical Semantics: Here Ricoeur breaks up the text into lexical units (lexemes). Polysemy, the possibility to have more than one meaning, is a synchronic concept (holding different meanings at the same time). Polysemy and symbolism are a part of the constitution and functioning of all language. Thus he manages to keep semantics and its problem of multiple meaning inside the closed system of language. The philosophical import of symbolism is that in symbolism equivocalness of being is conveyed by means of the multivocity of our signs. The science of this multivocity (science of linguistics) requires that we remain within the enclosure of the universe of signs. Thus Ricoeur draws out the relation between hermeneutics as philosophy and semantics as science.

            Structural Semantics: Language object, the language in which the elementary structures of the previous level are described, language in which the operant concepts of this description are elaborated and the language in which we state axioms and define the preceding levels form the clearly articulated hierarchical levels of language of structural semantics. Here one takes the analysis of the underlying structures instead of words (lexemes). This is called semic analysis (analysis of semes). Ricoeur seeks to outline semic systems where the object terms would be wholly defined as a collection of semes containing only conjunctions - disjunctions and hierarchies of relations. He uses analysis of contextual function to begin anew his explication of the problem of symbolism.

            Through this change of levels Ricoeur pursues the Leibnizian universal characteristic through a scientific method. With a twofold explanation he ends the enigma of symbolism: First through lexemes he shows how symbols just like any other word could have multiple meanings without being exceptional. Second he explains how in symbolism’s relation to discourse equivocalness exists. 

            There are two ways of accounting for symbolism: by means of what constitutes it and by means of what it attempts to say. What constitutes it is dealt with in the realm of structural analysis. And what it attempts to say highlights the mystery of language (expressivity).

            In conclusion he says if there is an enigma of symbolism, it resides wholly on level of manifestation, where the equivocalness of being is spoken in the equivocalness of discourse. 

Bibliography

Ricoeur, Paul. “The Problem of Double Meaning as Hermeneutic Problem and as Semantic           Problem”, The Conflict of Interpretations. ed. Don Ihde (London: Athlone Press Ltd,         2005) 61-76.