Reason in the Age of Science (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought) (Paperback)

by Hans-Georg Gadamer (Author), Frederick G. Lawrence (Translator) "It is evident that what we call philosophy is not science in the same way as the so-called positive sciences are..." (more)
Key Phrases: objective spirit, practical philosophy, transcendental reflection, Holy Scripture, French Revolution, Kleine Schriften (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review


"This book will consolidate Gadamer's growing reputation in the English-speaking world. It will serve as an ideal introduction to Gadamer's thought, and to problems of hermeneutics more generally, since the essays included are clear and easy to follow. For those already familiar with Gadamer's philosophy, these essays are equally important because they illustrate themes in the recent development of his ideas. No one who reads this book will any longer suppose that hermeneutics is indifferent to social critique or political practice. I know of no other short work by Gadamer that offers a more succinct yet brilliant demonstration of the contemporary importance of Gadamer's philosophy."
- Anthony Giddens, Kings College, Cambridge



"This collection of probing and lucidly written essays shows Gadamer as the leading Continental philosopher after Heidegger. It is an impassioned defense of practical reason, and of hermeneutics as a mode of practical philosophy, against the twin dangers of scientism and ideological partisanship. In the best humanist tradition Gadamer vindicates philosophical reflection as basic precondition of a life 'worth living.'"
- Fred R. Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame

Product Description
The essays in this book deal broadly with the question of what form reasoning about life and society can take in a culture permeated by scientific and technical modes of thought. They attempt to identify certain very basic types of questions that seem to escape scientific resolution and call for, in Gadamer's view, philosophical reflection of a hermeneutic sort.

In effect, Gadamer argues for the continued practical relevance of Socratic-Platonic modes of thought in respect to contemporary issues. As part of this argument, he advances his own views on the interplay of science, technology, and social policy.

These essays, which are not available in any existing translation or collection of Gadamer's work, are remarkably up-to-date with respect to the present state of his thinking, and they address issues that are particularly critical to social theory and philosophy.

Perhaps more than anyone else, Hans-Georg Gadamer, who is Professor Emeritus at the University of Heidelberg and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Boston College, is the doyen of German Philosophy. His previously translated works have been widely and enthusiastically received in this country. He is recognized as the chief theorist of hermeneutics, a strong and growing movement here in a number of disciplines, from theology and literary criticism to philosophy and social theory.

A book in the series Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (September 14, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262570610
• ISBN-13: 978-0262570619
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,511 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars better than jackie collins, October 5, 2002

By A Customer

put down your grisham and clancy and pick this bad boy up! just a great read. kept me up all night.