Elements of Understanding in Gadamer’s Thought

Hermeneutics is divided into general , particular and philosophical . Schleiermacher and Dilthey uphold general hermeneutics and Heidegger and Gadamer endorse philosophical one . Scheiermacher and Dilthey are in search of general methods for understanding texts , but analyzing the nature of understanding engage Heidegger and Gadamer’s attentions . Gadamer’s “Truth and Method” is a influential book in philosophical hermeneutics . Cirticizing past thinkers , Gadamer views contronting texts , not method , as means of Understanding . For Gadamer conditions of understanding have highly importance . In his view , such factors as historicity , language , prejudices and dialogue with text make understanding text possible . In this essay , in addition to examine these factors , pointed out that Gadamer’s thought entails a sort of relativity in understanding text and of limitedness of humen knowledge .