Role of the method of divination in hermeneutics of F. Schleiermacher

Abstract

This article examines the method of divination proposed by Friedrich Schleiermacher as one of the key means of interpretation. In literature dedicated to the philosophical views of Schleiermacher, this method is often associated with the intuitive grasp or empathy. However, Schleiermacher himself associated it primarily with creativity and ability of imagination. In order to clarify the meaning of the concept divination and a method related thereto, it is necessary to refer to a course of lectures of the philosopher devoted to dialectics. These lectures describe the method of divination as the main tool of cognizing surrounding reality, which establishes the link between dialectics and hermeneutics and allows reading Schleiermacher’s hermeneutics as hermeneutics of being. In the course of this research, the author made an attempt of original interpretation of Schleiermacher’s texts leaning on the development of modern Western scholars, whose works did not receive due attention within the Russian academic community. The result of this work lies in the restored and structured philosophical concept of Friedrich Schleiermacher, which centers on the method of divination. The obtained materials can be applied in the area of historical-philosophical study of the thoughts and ideas of German romantic philosophy of the XIX century. The examined in the article philosophical ideas of F. Schleiermacher allow getting a new perspective upon the problems of language, dialogue, understanding and interpretation.