Abstract

The locution «augmentative interpretation» of Vatican II, while not found word for word in the writings of Giuseppe Dossetti, nevertheless faithfully summarizes the proposal that he considered appropriate for the reception of the council. Dossetti considered an "evolutionary" interpretation of the documents of the council necessary «because of the historical growth and the pouring of grace that take place in the very act of their fulfillment». For this reason, he hoped that, through the simple application of the final documents of the council, «gradually, without betraying their letter, but rather for a better interpretation of their spirit, there will be an increase in their literal significance, either as a result of constructive interpretations, or also as the effect of new additional acts, which are, however, to be added homogeneously in the development of the final documents».