Is Philosophical Hermeneutics Self-Refuting?

Is Philosophical Hermeneutics Self-Refuting? Carlo Davia I "takes as its task the opening up of hermeneutical dimension in full scope, showing fundamental significance for our entire understanding world all forms."1 By this Hans-Georg Gadamer means that his philosophical hermeneutics is a theory not just textual interpretation, but how we understand and find meaningful richness. This an ambitious project, it has rightfully attracted attention from both adherents detractors since initial articulation Truth Method (1960). Chief among criticisms raised against "specter" relativism.2 Indeed, [End Page 751] seems to entail relativism about every sphere human experience propounds explain. In eyes many reduces subjective caprice laws, artworks, texts, history, even language itself. article will weigh on these debates assessing extent tenability Gadamer's hermeneutics. Instead, take my starting point claim which nearly debate should agree, namely, committed "relativism" insofar he holds grasp truth necessarily depends on, so some sense relative to, particular historical situation. As himself puts it: "[I]t only case when recognize always simultaneously cover forget truth, rather are necessity caught within limits situation inquire into truth."3 Whatever else might mean here, at very least claiming something be true situation, him inescapably historical. historicity thesis central hermeneutics, account alone can considered relativist.4 752] Like other relativist claims, subject self-refutation arguments. Self-refutation arguments aim show or argument somehow contradicts itself therefore self-refuting. appears contradict assertion knowledge historically conditioned assert absolute, unconditionally claim. Whether is, indeed, self-refuting question does seem have exercised many—perhaps because readers been more troubled by specters thought. The still worth asking, though, was well aware regarded self-refuting, several passages responds charge. Unfortunately, see, responses brief difficult understand, result they either neglected inadequately understood.5 But given fundamentality thesis, nevertheless attempt get clearer addresses charge self-refutation. Only then justifiably decide whether deserves outright acceptance rejection. 753] II difficulties response become apparent following passage : Even if, people who know fundamentally thought conditioned, thus own too, assumed unconditional standpoint. no objection affirming say affirmation intended absolutely true, cannot applied without contradiction. consciousness being supersede conditionedness. It one prejudices reflective philosophy understands relation propositions [Sätzen] same logical level. Thus, out place here. For dealing with relationships between judgments to...