Gadamer’s Hermeneutics

“Robert J. Dostal has written an illuminating and compelling book on one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. He covers all the major topics in Gadamer’s work, providing not just clear and sensitive commentary, but a vigorous defense of Gadamer against both criticisms and misinterpretations. The book is destined to be a watershed in our understanding of hermeneutics as philosophy, as well as of Gadamer, especially his ‘civic humanism’ and his differences with his controversial teacher, Heidegger.” —Robert B. Pippin, author of Philosophy by Other Means: The Arts in Philosophy and Philosophy in the Arts

"The ripe fruit of a diligent, life-long dialogue with Gadamer, which began in 1969, this clearly written book succeeds in bringing out the civic humanism of Gadamer’s philosophy, its intellectual roots and its relevance for our times." —Jean Grondin, author of Hans-Georg Gadamer: A Biography

"A tour de force! In this comprehensive study Dostal not only let us see how Gadamer was inspired by Heidegger, but also where their differences—philosophical and political—lie. He also sets Gadamer’s reappropriation of Plato and Aristotle, his aesthetics, and understanding of the central role of 'the word' in the context of contemporary discussions of language and phenomenology." —Catherine Zuckert, author of Postmodern Platos: Nietzsche, Heidegger, Gadamer, Strauss, Derrida

"Dostal’s book is a brilliant and comprehensive account of Gadamer’s philosophy that underscores his humanism, importantly delineates his divergence from Heidegger, elucidates his thoughts on solidarity and sets his thought in relation not only to Plato and Aristotle but to Kant, Hegel, Arendt and a score of others." —Georgia Warnke, editor of Inheriting Gadamer: New Directions in Philosophical Hermeneutics

“A comprehensive nuanced interpretation of Gadamer’s hermeneutics and humanism. Dostal ranges over the entire corpus of Gadamer and judiciously analyzes how Gadamer has been influenced by, and departs from, both ancient and modern philosophers. Throughout Dostal’s reading exemplifies the virtue of phronesis—the virtue that is so central to Gadamer’s hermeneutics.” —Richard J. Bernstein, author of Ironic Life