this essay explores gadamer’s ambivalent relationship with modernity.  gadamer is a prominent critic of the enlightenment project.  his criticisms are both theoretical and practical.  theoretically, representationalism is at the center of modern epistemology for gadamer.  practically, gadamer sees the demotion of prudence (phronesis) as fundamental to the “bad” enlightenment.  gadamer’s attempt...

This essay explores Gadamer’s ambivalent relationship with modernity.  Gadamer is a prominent critic of the Enlightenment project.  His criticisms are both theoretical and practical.  Theoretically, representationalism is at the center of modern epistemology for Gadamer.  Practically, Gadamer sees the demotion of prudence (phronesis) as fundamental to the “bad” Enlightenment.  Gadamer’s attempt...