Michael Lewin’s new essay, “Orientation by Means of Original Word Forms and Meanings,” offers a deep and nuanced reflection on how the origins of language shape the way we orient ourselves in the world. Through a rich etymological exploration, Lewin demonstrates how everyday terms like “perspective,” “grasp,” and “relativism” carry latent histories that influence thought, communication, and philosophical clarity.
Drawing on Werner Stegmaier’s philosophy of orientation, Lewin contrasts “strong” and “weak” views of etymology, ultimately advocating for an approach that honors the formative power of historical meanings in shaping our present sense-making. The essay is a new contribution to our ongoing series of “Essays on Orientation Skills in Everyday and Professional Life,” and is now available to read here on our website.