Differences in interpretation according to Gadamer and Guastini when the judge applies the meaning of the normative text

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34024/prometeica.2026.33.20544

Keywords:

understanding, interpretation, application, construction, subsumption

Abstract

This article answers the question about what are the differences in the ways of understanding the interpretation of the meaning of the normative text between Gadamer's hermeneutic approach and Guastini's realist hypothesis when the judge resolves a case. The conceptual assumptions that constitute Gadamer's justification of the hermeneutic experience of understanding the meaning of the text are analyzed: comprehension, interpretation and application. The theoretical elements underlying Guastini's explanation regarding the interpretation of the meaning of the legal text are described: normative statement, interpretive statement and subsumptive statement. It is concluded that Gadamer's hermeneutic approach allows us to highlight something valuable regarding the phenomenon of interpretation in the constitutional rule of law: it favors the active participation of plurality that includes the free creation of meanings of the judge, developed together with the current law, institutionalized procedures, democracy, solidarity and the relevant facts of the case to be decided. A hermeneutic methodology is used based on the analysis of bibliographic sources

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Author Biographies

  • Sergio Molina Hincapié, University of Valle

    Doctor en Filosofía, Universidad del Valle. Profesor del Departamento de Filosofía de la Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia). Miembro del grupo de investigación Hermes (Categoría B, Minciencias). E-mail: sergio.molina.hincapie@correounivalle.edu.co. 

  • Nelson Jair Cuchumbé Holguín, University of Valle

    Doctor en Humanidades (Cali, Colombia).  Profesor del Departamento de Filosofía de la Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia). Miembro del grupo de investigación Hermes (Categoría B, Minciencias). E-mail: nelson.cuchumbe@correounivalle.edu.co

References

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Guastini, R. (2015). Interpretación y construcción jurídica. Isonomía, 43, 11-48.

Guastini, R. (2014). Otras distinciones. Bogotá: Universidad Externado de Colombia.

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Mañalich, J. P. (2024). La interpretación de la ley penal bajo la “prohibición de analogía”. una reconstrucción desde el pragmatismo semántico. Revista Chilena de Derecho, 51(3), 63-91.

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Published

2026-02-23

Issue

Vol. 33 (2026): Prometeica - v 33 (01/2026- 12/2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Sergio Molina Hincapié, Nelson Jair Cuchumbé Holguín

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Received 2025-05-17
Accepted 2026-02-13
Published 2026-02-23

How to Cite

Molina Hincapié, S., & Cuchumbé Holguín, N. J. (2026). Differences in interpretation according to Gadamer and Guastini when the judge applies the meaning of the normative text. Prometeica - Journal of Philosophy and Science, 33, e20544 (1-13). https://doi.org/10.34024/prometeica.2026.33.20544