Geskiedsfilosofie as godsdiensfilosofie: ’n lesing van Wolfhart Pannenberg se hermeneutiek van die geskiedenis

Abstract

In this essay, a critical reading of the philosophy of history in the early work of Wolfhart Pannenberg is developed. An attempt will be made to bring the hermeneutic aspect of his philosophy to the fore, with the more dominant perspectives of his theology and philosophy of science being brought into play only where necessary. It will be argued that his historical hermeneutic notion of revelation forms the point of articulation between his philosophy of history and his philosophy of religion. Eventually, he develops a universal approach to interpreting the meaning of history. This philosophy of history has far-reaching consequences for the understanding of religious plurality,  world history and hermeneutics, which will be expounded and critically evaluated.