Hermeneutic Triangle. Ethics – Identity – Understanding

Abstract

The thesis I would like to propose is: the nature of modern and late-modern hermeneutics takes the form of a specific hermeneutic triangle, which consists of the three mentioned issues: ethics, identity and understanding. The proposal for such a hermeneutic triangle is not a methodology, although it could be reinterpreted in methodological or technical categories. It is also not about creating a formula that would provide an alternative to the hermeneutic circle, which is strongly embedded in hermeneutic tradition. The triangle neither abolishes the circle, nor brings any significant “progress” in hermeneutical reflection. I’m rather talking about a kind of strong metaphor that shows what happens in the process of understanding and self-understanding. The metaphor of a hermeneutic triangle also shows the versatility of the hermeneutic problem, which we describe under three fundamental phrases in modern humanities: the linguistic phrase (following Gadamer that understanding takes place within the horizon of what language is), the ethical phrase and narrative phrase (identity). In other words, contemporary humanities inevitably take a turn towards hermeneutics.