11/27 Bernstein, 139-169

Theme: Hermeneutics, cont.

1. For Gadamer, what is the fusion of horizons? How does this concept conflict with relativism, and how is it illustrated by Gadamer’s interpretation of Aristotle?

2. What is the nature of Gadamer’s claim, against the traditional understanding of hermeneutics, that understanding, interpretation, and application are not separate, but rather are unified?

3. Bernstein criticizes Gadamer by claiming that Gadamer does not consider the social and political conditions for phronesis to thrive in a community. Why does Bernstein think that this is a serious shortcoming in Gadamer’s thought? Do you agree?