The Philosophical Approach in Translation Studies

This chapter explores the intersection of translation studies and philosophy, highlighting how philosophical theories and concepts deepen our understanding of translation. It begins by tracing the origin of the term “philosophy” and examines key Western philosophical movements—hermeneutics, deconstructionism, and reception aesthetics—and their methodological applications in translation. The chapter discusses critical concepts such as understanding and interpretation, subjectivity and intersubjectivity, and retranslation, demonstrating their relevance to translation phenomena. Philosophical approaches challenge traditional binary oppositions, offering new perspectives on translation’s essence, standards, and cultural implications. The chapter also addresses the influence of modern philosophy, including hermeneutic steps in translation (trust, aggression, import, compensation), deconstructionist critiques of logocentrism, and reception aesthetics’ focus on reader roles. By integrating philosophical methods, translation studies expands beyond linguistic analysis, embracing interdisciplinary insights. The chapter concludes by reflecting on current issues in philosophical translation research and advocating for conceptual innovation to advance the field.