Hermeneutics and Practical Philosophy

Phrónesis between Praxis and Understanding

Abstract

Gadamer’s Truth and Method not only originates the rebirth of contemporary hermeneutics but also represents the beginning of a long debate, which will involve and affect the main part of German philosophy during the second half of the 20th century. Dealing with traditional theories of interpretation, Gadamer encouraged a recovery of applicatio, promoting the return to Aristotelian doctrines and the renewal of the concept of practical reason. According to Gadamer “Being that can be understood is language”, although the practical moment of philosophy finds its most problematical theme in the dialectic of praxis and language.