"Hans-Georg Gadamer's theory of hermeneutics is one of the most important modern theories of reading, offering both a framework for understanding the practice and a method for its interpretation. In this clear and comprehensive guide to Gadamer's thought, Karl Simms presents an overview of his life and works, outlining his importance to phenomenological theory and its place in literary studies explains and puts into context his key ideas, including the importance of 'symbol' and 'festival' to his work onbeauty provides a guide to the practical application of Gadamer's thought to the interpretation of texts presents a useful glossary of relevant terms and a section suggesting further reading. With a significance that crosses disciplinary boundaries from literary theory and philosophy through to cultural studies and media, Gadamer's pioneering work on hermeneutic theory remains of crucial importance to the study of texts in the humanities."--
Hans-Georg Gadamer’s theory of hermeneutics is one of the most important modern theories of interpretation and understanding, and at its heart is the experience of reading literature. In this clear and comprehensive guide to Gadamer’s thought, Karl Simms:
- presents an overview of Gadamer’s life and works, outlining his importance to hermeneutic theory and its place in literary studies
- explains and puts into context his key ideas, including ‘dialogue’, ‘phronesis’, ‘play’, ‘tradition’, and ‘horizon’
- shows how Gadamer’s ideas have been influential in the interpretation of literary texts
- explains Gadamer’s debates with key contemporaries and successors, such as Habermas, Ricoeur and Derrida
- provides detailed suggestions for further reading.
With a significance that crosses disciplinary boundaries from cultural studies, literary theory and philosophy through to history, music and fine arts, Gadamer’s pioneering work on hermeneutic theory remains of crucial importance to the study of texts in the humanities.
