文学翻译的流派.docVIP

IV. Contemporary Hermeneutics 1. Hans-Georg Gadamer Hans-Georg Gadamers hermeneutics is a develop-ment of the hermeneutics of his teacher, Heidegger. Under the influence of Heidegger, German famous philosopher, Hans-Geog Gadamer, developed hermeneutics into a systematical modern hermeneutics of philosophy. He emphasized historicity and limitedness of theory, and pointed out understanding made mean-ing subjective. For him, one could only interpret text from his perspective. Hans-Georg Gadamer Meaning existed in language while understanding went on with language. Language was the origin and end of hermeneutics research, but its openness and transparence were limited, relative and temporary. Reader’s understanding changed as his reading advanced; therefore the final understanding must be different from the initial. Though it was the final understanding, it would be different for different readers and in different time, since text under hermeneutics was open and dynamic, not closed and stationary. Interpreter faced a closed door behind which was a different road. What he needed to do was open the door, choose his own roads, pass by many crosses, and get to his destination Gadamer asserts that methodical contemplation is opposite to experience and reflection. We can reach the truth only by understanding or even mastering our experience. Experience according to Gadamer isn’t fixed but rather changing and always indicating new perspectives. The most important thing is to unfold what constitutes individual comprehension. Gadamer points out in this context that preju-dice is a (nonfixed) reflection of that unfolding comprehension, and is not per se without value. Being alien to a particular tradition is a condition of understanding. Gadamer points out that we can never step outside of our tradition; all we can do is try to understand it. This further elaborates the idea of the hermeneutic circle. Hermeneutics in sociology In sociology, hermeneutics