On the difficult art of human condition. Hermeneutics of non-knowledge

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to show the specificity of human knowledge and also its insufficiency when contrasted with the feeling that we still know very little or almost nothing. The presented problem is discussed from the perspective of hermeneutics. According to the view of Socrates, only by being true to themselves can humans know their nature and actually their insignificance to the universe. Theologians explain, though, that the human condition, although very poor as such – according to the will of God – can be filled with grace. Our faith is largely founded on non-knowledge. We still face our own ignorance and the confrontation with non-knowledge becomes the cause of constantly asking new questions and of human development in general.