Über Theorie und Praxis der Begriffsgeschichte bei Hans-Georg Gadamer

Abstract

This paper discusses two main topics: (1) the essential principles of Gadamer’s remarks and reflections on ›Begriffsgeschichte‹ (the history of concepts), and (2) how Gadamer’s own practice of writing the history of concepts can be characterized. To address these questions, it is important to consider that Gadamer’s approach to ›Begriffsgeschichte‹ is deeply rooted in his own hermeneutical philosophy of language, which significantly deviates from conventional linguistic and philosophical models. Therefore, I begin by outlining the key tenets of Gadamer’s philosophy of language. The second section examines Gadamer’s reflection on the relevance and function of the history of concepts, especially with regard to the Historisches Wörterbuch der Philosophie edited by Joachim Ritter. The third section presents a critical analysis of Gadamer’s own practice of writing the history of concepts, focusing on his article »Hermeneutik« in the Historisches Wörterbuch der Philosophie. The conclusion discusses the relationship between Gadamer’s theory of the history of concepts and his own practice of writing the history of concepts.