Discusses the hermeneutic and epistemological dimensions of science, and investigates the role that this discussion might play in science education. After a brief review of two main variants of hermeneutic conceptions of science, a general outline is given of the "existential-ontological notion of science." Draws conclusions for a new…

Offers a critical evaluation of theses presented by Martin Eger that attempt to justify the position that philosophical hermeneutics is an appropriate framework for science education in most of its aspects. Addresses the use of "meaning,""interpretation," and "text" in Eger's discussion. (LZ)

States that the existence of an essential underdetermination in the interpretation of the formalism of quantum mechanics, in spite of the widespread belief that logic and empirical considerations alone demand an indeterministic world view in physics, legitimizes the analysis of hermeneutics in science education. (LZ)

Discusses the hermeneutic-phenomenological investigation of natural science, in which understanding plays a role comparable to creative construction. Suggests that the role of interpretation and hermeneutics is tied to the educative or "study-mode" of science and that this mode can apparently be found at all levels and stages of science.…

An analysis of the hermeneutical aspect of quantum mechanical measurement reveals close analogs with the hermeneutical social/historical sciences. Suggests that the hermeneutical analysis of science requires the move from the epistemological attitude to an ontological view. (LZ)

Extends hermeneutic philosophy to the understanding of natural science, with a special interest in the significance of this for education. Shows how the "ontological" version of hermeneutics describes features of scientific activity neglected by most philosophies of science and education. To this end, the paper focuses especially on the…

Discusses a dimension of hermeneutics in science that has to do with the production of the experimental object, or with act rather than text hermeneutics. Examines the hermeneutics of experimentation and differing perspectives of technique. (LZ)

Discusses a hermeneutical approach to science education that deals with the "misconceptions" problem. Addresses text interpretation and ontological phenomenology, the role of original papers and textbooks, hermeneutics and the history of science, and the use of a hermeneutical approach that bridges the life world and science world for the student.…

This paper extends discussion of Cushing's contribution to Bohm's deterministic interpretation of quantum mechanics, which raises the question of whether self-understanding is at issue in physical science as it is in social science. Addresses ideas by Bevilacqua and Giannetto about the use of historical texts and the primacy of experiment. (LZ)

Presents arguments for and against the appropriateness of philosophical hermeneutics as a framework for natural science education. Discusses reasons for its relevance to science and to the problem of meaning in science education. Suggests that each science be viewed as a language. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)