Critical Hermeneutics: A Study in the Thought of Paul Ricoeur and Jürgen HabermasThis is a study in the philosophy of social science. It takes the form of a comparative critique of three contemporary approaches: ordinary language philosophy, hermeneutics and critical theory, represented here respectively by Ludwig Wittgenstein, Paul Ricoeur and Jürgen Habermas. Part I is devoted to an exposition of these authors' views and of the traditions to which they belong. Its unifying thread is their common concern with language, a concern which nonetheless reveals important differences of approach. For whereas ordinary language philosophers tend to treat linguistic activity as the ultimate object of inquiry, both Ricoeur and Habermas regard it as a medium which betrays more fundamental dimensions of human experience and the social world. Part II complements the exposition with a critical analysis of its central themes: the conceptualisation of action, the methodology of interpretation, and the theory of reference and truth. The author defends many aspects of the work of Ricoeur and Habermas, such as the emphasis on power and ideology, the strategy of depth interpretation, and the link between consensus and truth; but he argues that there are serious deficiencies and obscurities in their work. He proposes solutions to these difficulties and concludes with a sketch of a critical and rationally justified theory for the interpretation of action - a critical hermeneutics. |
Contents
Ludwig Wittgenstein and ordinary language philosophy | 9 |
Paul Ricoeur and hermeneutic phenomenology | 36 |
Jurgen Habermas and critical social theory | 71 |
Constructive critique | 113 |
Problems in the analysis of action | 115 |
Problems in the methodology of social science | 150 |
Problems in the theory of reference and truth | 182 |
Conclusion | 214 |
Notes | 219 |
241 | |
252 | |
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Common terms and phrases
analysis argue argument attempt characterised communicative action concept concerned consciousness constitution critical theory critique defend depth interpretation dialectic of interpretation dimension discourse distinction edited elucidate epistemological experience explanation expression framework Freud G. E. M. Anscombe Habermas's hermeneutic phenomenology hermeneutics human action Ibid ideal speech situation ideology insofar institutions intentional interaction J. L. Austin Jürgen Habermas language-games latter linguistic logical London Ludwig Wittgenstein Marx meaning meaningful action methodology of social Moreover motive norms notion object domain ordinary language philosophy P. F. Strawson particular Paul Ricoeur Peter Winch phenomenology possible presupposes presuppositions problem psychoanalysis question rational reconstruction referential reflection Ricoeur and Habermas Ricoeur maintains rules schemata self-reflection semantics sense sentence social science social structure social world specific speech-acts statements Strawson suggest symbols systematically distorted communication theoretical thesis tion tradition trans understanding University Press validity claims Winch writings of Ricoeur