Gadamer’s reading of Aristotle’s practical philosophy. Towards an ontological and political hermeneutics

Abstract

The aim of this research is twofold. On the one hand, I attempt to show that Gadamer’s hermeneutics is at the same time both ontological and political. On the other hand, and to achieve this aim, I intend to show to what extent Gadamer’s interpretation of Aristotelian ethics is decisive, both in his practical philosophy as a whole, taken as human wisdom, and of φρονησιζ in particular. This research thus contributes to emphasise the ontological and political character of philosophical hermeneutics, showing how both strands are solidary and inseparable. This paper also clarifies the ethical basis on which Gadamer’s ontological-political project rests. Finally, this study includes an outline of the nature and scope of Gadamer’s interpretation of Aristotelian ethics.

Keywords

• hermenéutica
• ontología
• política
• φρονησιζ
• filosofía práctica
• Aristóteles