It is time to make a decision in regards to my term paper for my philosophy class. I will writing on the philosophy of hermeneutics. I have already determined to focus upon Hans-George Gadamer (see here) but I want to do so in conversation with another philosopher of hermeneutics. I have whittled it down to either F.D.E. Schleiermacher or Jacques Derrida.
Gadamer interacted with both of these men during his career so there will be materials available. I assume that the question now is relevance. If you had to read my paper when it is finished would you prefer to read about Gadamer in conversation with Schleiermacher or Derrida?
the archives near Emmaus 
Derrida is far more relevant for today’s scholar, but by just a tad.
Have you read Derrida? If not, I would probably suggest going with Schleiermacher.
Mike’s comment might more prudent, but Gadamer-Derrida might be more interesting. 🙂 In case it’s something you might find useful, a helpful starting point for Derrida (at least in my experience) is Caputo’s Deconstruction in a Nutshell, a substantive preview of which is apparently now available on Google Books.
Derrida!!!
I agree with Mike.
@Rod: That is essentially what Marc Cortez (my professor and advisor) told me. He thought Derrida to be a hot topic today but that I can’t go wrong with Schleiermacher.
@Mike and Bryan: This is an important observation. I have tried to read Derrida a bit, but I am sure Schleiermacher will be easier, especially since he is the “father of modern hermeneutics” and most of the methodology I have learned in my undergrad and my MA is likely from his influence.
@David and Wildflower: Derrida is the temptation because I think I want to know his views but I do only have six weeks to familiarize myself with these two men.
@Brian,
No problem. If you have any questions about Derrida, my brother Richard and my friend Adam are taking a Derrida and negative theology course. I could run by any questions to double check with you. Via email.
@Rod: Sounds good, thanks!