Introduction

This chapter argues about the distinction of Ricoeur's hermeneutical philosophy as it bears on questions of socio-political import. In particular it examines how Ricoeur's dialectical approach is able to maintain a theoretical balance between antinomies, such as universality and particularity, tradition and emancipation, and relativism and absolutism. The chapter also provides an overview of each chapter contribution and how the book contents contribute to an overall thesis on Ricoeur's socio-political thought.