Abstract
Gadamer's distinction between traditional and philosophical hermeneutics is challenged in order to consider a variety of ways in which philosophy and hermeneutics have intersected since the eighteenth century. Not only has philosophy influenced hermeneutics(as in Dilthey's inquiry into the conditions of understanding), but hermeneutical considerations have also influenced philosophy (as in Nietzsche's perspectivism). Practical and moral concerns are shown to provide an important background for the philosophical reflections on interpretation found in Kant, Schleiermacher, Droysen, and Dilthey. Although the hermeneutical views of Dilthey and Heidegger display certain affinities with Aristotle, they part ways on the role of judgment in interpretation. By relating Dilthey, Heidegger and Gadamer back to Kant, it becomes possible to distinguish two complementary philosophical approaches to hermeneutics, one that roots interpretation in prejudgment and seeks authentic disclosure, and one that aligns interpretation with reflective judgment and aims at authentic critique