The Quest for Universal Truth. Gadamer's Hermeneutics and the Art of Interpretation

Essay from the year 2024 in the subject Philosophy - Theoretical (Realisation, Science, Logic, Language), , language: English, abstract: Humanity's perpetual quest for truth is deeply intertwined with the rational interpretation of the world and its phenomena. Despite sharing a universal rationality, individuals often derive conflicting interpretations of the same phenomena, as seen in the divergent views of Africa during colonial times or the multifaceted readings of the Christian Bible. This essay explores the tension between the pursuit of universal truth and the multiplicity of interpretations shaped by historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. It introduces Hans-Georg Gadamer's 'Truth and Method' as a cornerstone of philosophical hermeneutics, emphasizing the need for dialogue and holistic understanding in the interpretative process. Gadamer's approach advocates bridging cultural and intellectual divides to enrich comprehension and foster mutual respect. This perspective challenges reductionist and ethnocentric readings of the world, proposing that true understanding arises from engaging with diverse viewpoints in a spirit of open dialogue.