Is a Chinese Hermeneutics Possible?

Wolfgang Kubin
University of Bonn

Scholars in Chinese studies very often make use of Western terminology in order to find a methodological approach to Chinese culture. A problem they have constantly to face, however, is the understanding of the applied Western term, be it from the Western, be it from the Chinese point of view. Hermeneutics is a Western term which derives its origin from theology. China is not a Christian country and Christianity was not introduced to China before the end of the Ming and the beginning of Qing dynasty. So how do we understand hermeneutics in the West and a possible hermeneutics in China? The paper is going to investigate the differences between China and the West concerning the term of hermeneutics, but will also elaborate on hermeneutic aspects which both cultures might have in common.