The Translation of Philosophical Texts

Abstract

Translation theorists have so far devoted scant attention to the translation of philosophical texts. The author of the present article, drawing on his own experience in the translation of two books of philosophy, attempts to illustrate some of the typical problems found in this field. Two kinds of problems are identified: the use of technical terms, often of the philosopher’s own invention, which may be almost untranslatable, and the difficulties inherent in the use of a literary, metaphorical language, with all the consequent ambiguity and stylistic questions involved. The terminological problems are illustrated by reference to the translation of a book on Aristotle, while the literary issues are illustrated by reference to a text.