Hermeneutics·Concept·Lesson 2 of 5

The Literal Default: Why Plain Meaning Comes First

Before you can decide whether a text is metaphorical, you need to understand what it says literally. This lesson establishes the literal presumption — the principle that plain meaning is the starting point for interpretation — and explains what kinds of evidence can override it. Students learn to distinguish between cases where non-literal reading is textually warranted and cases where it is just wishful thinking.