The Epistemology of the Humanities: Emerging Methods and Paradigms

Abstract

This article explores the evolution and recent transformations in the methods and epistemological approaches employed in the humanities disciplines. Utilizing a bibliographic analysis methodology, the study reviews a wide range of academic literature to identify and examine emerging trends and developing paradigms. The bibliographic analysis focused on high-impact academic sources, including books, journal articles, and conference papers. The literature selection spanned the last two decades, allowing for a historical and contemporary understanding of epistemology in the humanities. Three main methodological approaches were identified and analyzed: hermeneutic, critical, and digital. The hermeneutic approach, based on the interpretation of texts and contexts, remains fundamental in the humanities, particularly in disciplines such as philosophy, literature, and history. However, an evolution towards critical methodologies incorporating perspectives from critical theory, cultural studies, and feminism is observed, promoting a deeper analysis of power structures and dominant narratives. The article also highlights the growing influence of digital humanities, which integrate information technologies and computational tools for analyzing large volumes of textual and multimedia data. This emerging paradigm is transforming research and learning in the humanities, facilitating new forms of interaction and data visualization.