Explanation and Truth

Author: Li Yongyin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: This book holds special significance in my personal writing practice. This is not only because I made new attempts in style but also because my thoughts have increasingly settled on the study of hermeneutics and cultural hermeneutics. The original title of this book was planned to be Hermes, as "Hermes" in Greek mythology is a messenger or interpreter god, always completing the transmission of Zeus's divine commands in flight. More importantly, the modern concept of "Hermelleutics" (hermeneutics) is said to derive its root from "Hermes." Of course, there are also those who disagree with this view. When published, the title was set as Interpretation and Truth. On one hand, this was to highlight my overall reflections on hermeneutic theory, and on the other hand, it can be seen as my understanding and pursuit of the truth of hermeneutics. Additionally, I privately hoped to use this book as an introductory work for my hermeneutic studies, as my future research may require me to continually return to hermeneutic theory itself. The writing style of this book is an attempt to surpass myself—cutting the long, elaborate arguments into fragments, striving for the spiritual essence and the unity of thought in each piece. Perhaps in this way, some of my more obscure expressions might be more fully understood. Moreover, I truly wish to express my thoughts with greater flexibility and freedom.