In this paper Erik Hertog explains how the “theorie du sens” from the Parision school was a most influential theory, with repercussions on interpreting studies and interpreter training, but also with consequences for the status of the interpreter. The ‘theorie’ stresses the meaning of words and the possibility to catch this meaning univocally and transfer it. New insights into the complex interactive processes constituting meaning have exposed the ‘theorie’ as speculative and reductionist and re-defined ideal interpreting as pragmatic.