Science, Scientists, and Truth: The Contributions of Hans-Georg Gadamer’s Hermeneutics and Max Weber’s Conceptualization to the History of Science

Abstract

This article attempts to establish a link between some conceptual assumptions behind Truth and Method, by Hans-Georg Gadamer, and Max Weber’s concerning the role of social science. In this sense, it is discussed some of the debates belonging to what can be called “theory of historical knowledge”. Thus, to arrive at the Gadamerian notion of a fusion of horizons, as a mechanism to confront the truth, the central elements of hermeneutics of understanding are addressed. At the same time, it is explained in what way Weber is coinciding with the epistemological concern suggested in Truth and Method, by questioning both the “subjective” perspectives and those that deny the scientist’s life experience in constructing questions with truth value. The article concludes with a brief reflection on how these ideas regarding historical knowledge can trespass the agenda of the history of science.

Keywords

Science, truth, Gadamer, Weber, historical knowledge