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.
