The Work of Hermeneutic Phenomenology

• Main Authors: Kitty Maria Suddick, Vinette Cross, Pirjo Vuoskoski, Kathleen T. Galvin, Graham Stew
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2020-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Qualitative Methods
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920947600

This paper is an illustration of the application of a hermeneutic phenomenological study. The theory of meaning and interpretation, drawing on philosophical hermeneutics and the work of Gadamer and Heidegger, and its alignment with phenomenological thought is presented. The paper explains and aims to make visible how key concerns in relation to the fusion of horizons, hermeneutic understanding, hermeneutic circle and hermeneutic phenomenological attitude were implemented. The purpose is to provide practical guidance and illustrate a fully worked up example of hermeneutic phenomenological work as research praxis. This present paper makes a case that hermeneutic phenomenological work is detailed, lengthy, rigorous and systematic in its own philosophical and theoretical frame. It articulates the philosophical and methodological alignment of hermeneutics in a specific hermeneutic phenomenological study and makes visible the work of hermeneutic phenomenology. It concludes by sharing key reflections and insights on the hermeneutic phenomenological process.