Abstract

Although their value-judgments diverge, neo-Confucian and American continental philosophers agree that Gadamer's hermeneutics is anti-foundationalist. Neither side, however, has asked why he frequently appeals to standards of harmony, or why he models the art of medicine on the order of nature. These indicate a commitment to trans-historical foundation of One and many that forms the basis for comparisons with Chinese aesthetics in the Yijing tradition. These foundations are grounded in Gadamer's reading of Plato and shape his onto-dialogical interpretive method. In contrast to Whitehead, Gadamer cements the One and many in practical life by removing the contradiction through a transformation in human ethos.