Hermeneutics: The Handwritten Manuscripts

by Friedrich Schleiermacher, James Duke (Translator), Jack Forstman (Translator)

Friedrich Schleiermacher's Hermeneutics has been characterized as a watershed in the history of the field. Though he drew freely from his Enlightenment predecessors, biblical scholars, and classical philologians, Schleiermacher attempted a full-scale reconception of hermeneutical theory. Based on Heinz Kimmerle's careful transcription of the original handwritten manuscripts, this volume includes a full complement of materials on hermeneutics written by Schleiermacher, as well as an illuminating introduction by James Duke.

Genres: Philosophy

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 1977

About the author

Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher was a German theologian and philosopher known for his impressive attempt to reconcile the criticisms of the Enlightenment with traditional Protestant orthodoxy. He also became influential in the evolution of Higher Criticism. His work also forms part of the foundation of the modern field of hermeneutics. Because of his profound impact on subsequent Christian thought, he is often called the "Father of Modern Protestant Theology", and is considered an early leader in liberal Christianity. The neo-orthodoxy movement of the twentieth century, typically (though not without challenge) seen to be spearheaded by Karl Barth, was in many ways an attempt to challenge his influence.

Reviews

[Michael D'Angeli]

Shocking that this version only came to light in the 1960's following the extensive archiving work of Kimmerle. All contemporary work on hermeneutics (including ontology and deconstruction theory) should proceed from this concise but thorough collection of Schleiermacher's Romantic hermeneutical vision.