The task of hermeneutics: historical and philosophical aspect

The article examines the historical transformation of the tasks of hermeneutics as a humanitarian field of knowledge and philosophical direction. Applying historical analysis, the evolution of the hermeneutic idea is demonstrated from comprehension of the original “authentic” meaning of the text laid down by the author to hermeneutics as a way of being the text in the broad sense of the word. The article analyzes the tasks faced by this method at different stages of philosophical hermeneutics development, as well as problematizes the existence of a number of special hermeneutics, correlating with different spheres of social reality. The article substantiates the possibility of considering hermeneutics not only as a method of understanding, but also as a way of being knowledge as part of various practices. It is argued that special hermeneutics are a reflection of various human practices, and that understanding the text in them becomes an independent task that requires an effective solution.