Gadamer for Architects

Providing a concise and accessible introduction to the work of the twentieth century's celebrated German philosopher, Hans-Georg Gadamer, this book focuses on the aspects of Gadamer's philosophy that have been the most influential among architects, educators in architecture, and architectural theorists.
Gadamer's thinking opens a world of possibilities for understanding how building today can be rich with human meaning, relating to architecture's history in an insightful manner. While Gadamer's sensitivity to the importance of practice - to the way that theory arises out of practice and must maintain its relevance to practice - also gives his thought a remarkable usefulness that is equal to its depth and erudition.

Paul Kidder is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Seattle University, USA, where he has taught courses on ethics, urban life, and the philosophy art.

1. Introduction 2. The Play of Art and the Art of Architecture 3. Historical Understanding and Architecture's Past 4. Humanism in the Age of Science 5. Practical Wisdom in Creative Collaboration 6. Architecture as a Way of Being Conclusion: The Hermeneutically-Minded Architect