Gadamer

Hans-Georg Gadamer was a philosopher known for his work on understanding and interpretation. He argued that our ability to comprehend texts, artworks, or conversations is shaped by our prior experiences, language, and cultural background—what he called our “prejudice.” Instead of viewing these biases negatively, Gadamer saw them as essential to engaging meaningfully with the world. He emphasized that understanding is a dynamic process, requiring openness and dialogue, where each person’s perspective influences and enriches interpretation. Essentially, Gadamer believed that understanding is not about finding one absolute truth but about a continuous, dialogic effort to grasp meaning.