Toward Understanding Through Hermeneutic Letterwriting

Nurs Sci Q. 2018 Apr;31(2):160-165. doi: 10.1177/0894318418755731.

Abstract

The authors present letterwriting as a hermeneutic research method in that it contributes to the methodological development within the hermeneutical research tradition in caring science. The hermeneutic methodology is inspired by Hans-Georg Gadamer. Hermeneutic letterwriting in accordance with Gadamer's thought is a form of dialogue in writing, where what is truthful about the thing itself is unveiled with the help of the language. Hermeneutic letterwriting is presented in five steps. As a method, hermeneutic letterwriting is appropriate for complex caring science issues, and it offers new opportunities for attaining a deeper understanding of the world of caring.

Keywords: Gadamer; caring science; hermeneutic letterwriting; qualitative method.

MeSH terms

  • Comprehension*
  • Hermeneutics*
  • Humans
  • Qualitative Research
  • Writing*