PHILOLOGY AS RESISTANCE

Abstract

The paper is dedicated to philology, its role, status, and perspectives. After an introductory general review and a historical summary, its position in the past half century is analysed. Relations with linguistics, literary theory, cultural studies, and the humanities in toto are taken as a paradigm. It is pointed out that – despite its breadth and adaptability – philology, in its own self-understanding, has resisted all the tendencies that have dominated the abovementioned areas during the indicated period. In the conclusion its current and future activities are considered and projected as a continuation of the described practices.