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‘Feeling of absolute dependence’ or ‘absolute feeling of dependence’? A question revisited

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2005

HUESTON E. FINLAY
HUESTON E. FINLAY
Affiliation:
Magdalene College, Cambridge, CB3 0AG
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Abstract

The translation of Schleiermacher's key phrase ‘das schlechthinnige Abhängigkeitsgefühl’ is a matter of some contention. It has been suggested that the traditional translation (‘feeling of absolute dependence’) is in fact inaccurate and that it should be replaced with the accurate ‘absolute feeling of dependence’. This change would have serious implications for our understanding of Schleiermacher's theology. This essay examines the case for and against a change of translation. It concedes that the change is demanded if one strictly adheres to the rules of grammar but that there are several reasons for putting those rules to one side and holding firm to the traditional translation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Religious Studies , Volume 41 , Issue 1 , March 2005 , pp. 81 - 94
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press

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