Gianni Vattimo, Charles Taylor and the political corollaries of hermeneutics

Authors

  • Mauro J. Saiz Universidad Católica Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rep.194.02

Abstract

In this paper I analyse two possible translations from hermeneutic philosophy into the field of political theory. Mainly, Gianni Vattimo’s conception of «weak thought» is presented, a nihilistic and postmodern version of the hermeneutic tradition. Against it, Charles Taylor’s proposal to manage multicultural is put forward —also informed by hermeneutic principles, although within a peculiar form of moral realism. Through a critical comparison between both works, I intend to hold that Taylor’s variant overcomes some of the contradictions and defects that Vattimo’s model exhibits. More generally, the position that I seek to defend is that a Hermeneutics that holds a relevant function for the concept of ‘truth’ is better suited to sustain a productive political model.

Published

2021-12-03

Issue

Section

ARTICLES