Concept · Foundations

Burden of Proof in Interpretation

The principle that the person proposing a non-literal reading bears the burden of showing why the literal reading fails and why the proposed alternative is better supported by the text.

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Why it matters

Without a clear burden of proof, interpretation becomes a free-for-all where any reading is as good as any other.

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 (2)

Interpretation as Argument: Why Readings Need DefenseHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation The Metaphorical Escape: When People Dodge the Literal MeaningHermeneutics: Arguing for an Interpretation

Other concepts in Foundations

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