Between Science and Experience: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis of Addiction Theories Through Gadamer

Abstract

This paper examines two competing approaches to the study of addiction: the neuroscientific model which conceives of addiction as a brain disease, and the phenomenological critique of neuroscience, which appeals to lived experience. I employ Gadamer’s rich hermeneutic contribution to the phenomenological tradition in order to generate more fruitful dialogue between these competing models. Gadamer’s critique of the leveling of language in science is employed to counter neuroscientific claims to objectivity, while his redescription of the constructive role of prejudice in understanding is employed to highlight inadequacies in the phenomenological critique of neuroscience. Ultimately, I propose a fusion of these contested horizons which can generate richer clinical practice—reimagining the role of addiction recovery as helping individuals interpret and understand their experience of addiction toward new ways of being in the world.