Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2005

Publication Source

Josephinum Journal of Theology

Abstract

Hans-Georg Gadamer (1901-2002), the German philosopher of hermeneutics, has exercised a powerful influence on post-Vatican II Roman Catholic fundamental theology, especially regarding questions of the development of doctrine and the appropriation of tradition. There is a tension in interpreting Gadamer's thought between his concept of "fusion of horizons," in which the horizon of the past is fused with the horizon of the present to yield new interpretations of past texts, and his defense of "prejudice, authority, classics, and tradition," in which Gadamer upholds the enduring truth-value of received wisdom from the past. … This article will broadly point out the remarkable similarities between Gadamer's aesthetics and the theology of Swiss Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988).

Inclusive pages

110-119

ISBN/ISSN

1071-8257

Comments

For information about the Pontifical College Josephinum or to submit an article to the Josephinum Journal of Theology, see their websites.

Publisher

Pontifical College Josephinum

Volume

12

Issue

1

Peer Reviewed

yes

Link to published version

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