Answer
2002 marked the passing of Hans-Georg Gadamer, a renowned German philosopher. Gadamer's contributions to hermeneutics, the study of interpretation, left an indelible mark on the field. His magnum opus, "Truth and Method," explored the nature of understanding and the role of tradition in shaping our interpretations. Gadamer's work continues to influence scholars and practitioners in various disciplines, including philosophy, literary theory, and social sciences.