11/8 Bernstein, 30-49; Recommended: 20-30

Theme: Hermeneutics and philosophy of science

1. What is hermeneutics, and what distinguishes Gadamer’s version from 19th century versions of hermeneutics? How does Gadamer’s hermeneutics suggest a position “beyond objectivism and relativism”?

2. Why are Aristotle’s notions of praxis and phronesis relevant to Gadamer’s hermeneutics and the attempt to move beyond objectivity and relativism?

3. According to Bernstein, what is at issue in the debate about the nature of the natural and social sciences?