Santiago, Chile
El objeto de esta investigación es revisar la norma de interpretación de los contratos consagrada en el artículo 1563 inciso primero del Código Civil. La tarea es importante dado el déficit en el análisis doctrinal y jurisprudencial en el derecho chileno y se sugiere que, para comprender la norma de forma adecuada, se debe recurrir al propósito práctico del contrato, es decir, su causa. Aquello no obsta a que la labor hermenéutica del juez, al interpretar el contrato conforme a la regla de su naturaleza, deba ser complementada mediante criterios acordes a la finalidad, plan y operación económica, y a la utilidad, eficacia y eficiencia en el cumplimiento del contrato.
The purpose of this investigation is to analyze the contract interpretation norm enshrined in the article 1563 first paragraph of the Civil Code. Next, a deficit is exhibited in its doctrinal and jurisprudential approach in the Chilean law. In view of this, it is argued that the appropriate way of understanding the norm is by resorting to the practical purpose of the contract, that is, its cause. Finally, the hermeneutic labor of the judge when interpreting the contract according to the rule of nature of the contract must be supplemented by criteria according to the economic purpose, the economic plan, the economic operation, the utility, efficacy and efficiency in the fulfillment of the contract.