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In:Translation Studies between Disciplines and Practices
Edited by Luc van Doorslaer and Yves Gambier
[Benjamins Translation Library 174] 2026
► pp. 204–224

Chapter 11
Philosophy and translation studies

On the ontological status of a translation as the original

 | University of Leipzig | University of Freiburg
 | University of Montreal
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
This chapter highlights the paradoxical and sinuous history of the relationship between philosophy and translation studies. After a long period of mutual self-isolation as regards their respective discourses on translation, both disciplines are gradually developing a new dynamic and displaying a mature openness to having an interdisciplinary dialogue. This essay argues in favour of further enhancing the permeability of disciplinary boundaries by investigating the phenomenon of translation together, i.e., as a joint attempt at academic cooperation in action: a translation scholar (Cercel) and a philosopher (Grondin) discuss a hot topic within current debates in translation studies, namely the intriguing question of the ontological status of a translation as the original. We profile the state and premises of the debate, examine the conditions under which a translation can indeed be considered the original and formulate a (hypo)thesis concerning a key point in defining the ontology of translation as the (new) original.
Article outline
  • 1.Philosophy and translation: A paradoxical relation?
  • 2.Philosophy in TS
  • 3.The translation — an original? Premises and state of the debate in TS
  • 4.Can the translation be the original? A view from philosophy
  • 5.Concluding remarks
  • Author queries
  • References
References (76)
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