Soft and Hard Hermeneutics of Science and Technologies

The Saqqara Bird, a small wooden figure dated to approximately 200 BCE, has sparked significant debate regarding its purpose and meaning. Initially interpreted by Khalil Messiha as evidence of ancient Egyptian knowledge of aerodynamics, this hypothesis was later refuted, with the figure now widely regarded as a weather vane. Messiha’s background as an aeromodeller influenced his interpretation, highlighting the role of personal experience and wishful thinking in shaping historical and scientific narratives. This case serves as a starting point for exploring the relationship between hermeneutics — the interpretation of meanings — and wishful thinking, particularly in the context of science and technology. The distinction between «soft» and «hard» hermeneutics is introduced. Soft hermeneutic practices are aimed to understand different meanings and connections between agents and the world, looking from the side. This distinguishes them from hard hermeneutic efforts which involve self-reflective processes that challenge our personal biases and commitments. Examples from scientific and philosophical contexts, such as Ian Mitroff’s study of moon scientists and Nancy Cartwright’s concept of «physics as theatre,» illustrate how hard hermeneutics can reveal the interplay between personal beliefs and preferences, on the one hand, and scientific practice and the construction of knowledge, on the other hand. Ultimately, hermeneutic efforts, especially in their hard form, encourage deeper self-understanding and critical reflection on the role of knowledge in shaping individual identities.