The Gadamer-Rickert Debate

The Gadamer-Rickert debate centers on the nature of understanding in the humanities. Hans-Georg Gadamer argued that human interpretation is shaped by history and language, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and context. In contrast, Wilhelm Rickert believed that knowledge in the humanities should aspire to the objectivity seen in the sciences, focusing on concepts that can be universally applied. Their discussion highlights different views on how we comprehend art, literature, and culture, questioning whether understanding is inherently subjective or can achieve a more objective, scientific clarity. This debate impacts how we approach the study of human experiences.