Concept · Foundations

Interpretive Argument

A reasoned case for one reading of a text over another, supported by evidence from the text, its context, its genre, and authorial intent.

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Why it matters

Interpretations are not preferences — they are claims that require defense. Without interpretive argument, disagreements about meaning devolve into assertion.

Where this shows up

Units and lessons using this concept

Following the links will take you to the page where this term is introduced in context.

Units (1)

Hermeneutics: Arguing for an InterpretationInterpretation is not a spectator sport. When a text says something uncomfortable, people reach for the claim that it is 'just a metaphor…

Lessons (3)

Building the Case: How to Argue That a Text Means What It SaysHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation Capstone: The Full Interpretive ArgumentHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation Interpretation as Argument: Why Readings Need DefenseHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation

Other concepts in Foundations

A, E, I, O Propositions Accessibility Relation Argument Atomic Statement Authorial Intent Base Rate Bayes Factor Burden of Proof in Interpretation Calibration Cardinality Cartesian Product Categorical Proposition