Response t o Robert K. C. Forman BRUCEJANZ Summary: T h e hermeneutical a n d t h e epistemological paradigms for understanding mystical experience are n o t easily translated into each other. T h e hermeneutical model has th e advantage in that it shifts th e emphasis from explanation to understanding. Mystical experience, namely, th e falling away o f t h e factical conditions o f human existence a n d th e meeting with Infinite Being, cannot be reduced to epistemology, n o r does i t adhere to t h e categories o f knowledge. Mystical experience is n ot about content at all; th e mystic understands Being without concepts. Resume: Les modeles hermeneutiques et epistemolo giques utilises afin de comprendre I'experience mystique, sont difficilement traduisi bles d e l'un a l'autre. Le modele hermeneutique offre I'avantage d e se distancer de l'explication afin d e mettre l'accent su r la comprehen- sion. L'experience mystique represente un depart d e la condition d'existence facticale humaine et une rencontre avec l'Etre Infini. Elle n e peut etre reduite a l'epistemologie o u adherer a aucune categorie de savoir. L'experience mystique ne se rapporte pa s a u contenu: Ie mystique comprend I'Etre sans concepts. Robert K. C. Forman's response to my article! highlights some omissions a n d errors in my argument. I am grateful for this, a n d in what follows I want to acknowledge where h e is correct. His useful corrections, however, d o n o t strike a t t h e heart o f t h e difference between regarding t h e mystical experience as essentially a n epistemological event a n d regarding i t as essen- See Bru ceJa nz, "Mysticism a nd Understanding: Steven Katz an d His Critics," Studies in Reli- gion / Sciences Religieuses, 24, 1 (1995): 77-94. Bruce Janz is Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Augustana Univer sity College, 4901 46 Ave- nue, Camrose, AB T4V 2R3. Studies i Religion / Sciences Religieuses 25/2 (1996): 209-13
