Introduction

Ginev works out a conception of the constitution of scientific objects in terms of hermeneutic phenomenology. Recently there has been a revival of interest in hermeneutic theories of scientific inquiry. The present study is furthering this interest by shifting the focus from interpretive methods and procedures to the kinds of reflexivity operating in scientific conceptualization.

Central Thesis

According to the book's central thesis, a reflexive conceptualization enables one to take into consideration the role which the ontic-ontological difference plays in the constitution of scientific objects.

Analysis and Argument

The book argues for this thesis by analyzing the formation of objects of inquiry in a range of scientific domains stretching from highly formalized domains where the quest for objects' identities is carried out in terms of objects' emancipation from structures to linguistic and historiographic programs that avoid procedural objectification in their modes of conceptualization.

Conclusion

The book sets up a new strategy for the dialogue between (the theories of) scientific inquiry and hermeneutic phenomenology.