Hegel’s Hermeneutics and Intellectual Humility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56550/d.1.2.5Keywords:
Hermeneutics, Intellectual humility, Assimilative Hermeneutics, Reconstructive Hermeneutics, HegelAbstract
I argue that Hegel uses two distinct approaches to hermeneutics in his works, viz. the assimilative and the reconstructive approach. I characterize them, explain why Hegel uses both and focus on their presuppositions. In the light of these reflections, I address the alleged contradiction between Hegel’s reflections on interpretation and their application. Contrary to some literature, I argue that Hegel’s hermeneutical practice does not deviate from his theoretical approach to interpretation. Then I focus on the issue whether and to which extent these two approaches are intellectually humble practices. I argue that only the reconstructive approach advanced in the Phenomenology is intellectually humble in contrast to the assimilative approach advanced in Hegel’s Lectures.
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