A metaphorical conversation: Gadamer and zhuangzi on textual unity

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

In Truth and Method, Gadamer asserts that prior to beginning the process of understanding a text, we make certain assumptions about the text being a unity modeled on a one-on-one conversation. How should we approach a text that was composed by so many authors over such a long span of time? Using resources from the Zhuangzi, I argue for expanding the metaphor across time, space, and identity in order to rethink Gadamer's assumption and its operative metaphor.

Publication Title

Journal of Chinese Philosophy

Volume

42

Issue

1-2

First Page

86

Last Page

98

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-6253.12168

Link to Full Text

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