European Intellectual History since Nietzsche

Class 22: French Post-Structuralism: Derrida and Deconstruction

30 snips
Feb 7, 2024
Explore the fascinating world of French post-structuralism, particularly Derrida's groundbreaking concept of deconstruction. Delve into how this idea challenges traditional binaries and reshapes our understanding of language. Discover the complex interplay of friendship and betrayal between Derrida and Paul de Man, and ponder the political implications of deconstruction as a resistance against absolute truths. This engaging discussion invites listeners to embrace the fluidity of meaning and the creativity that emerges from uncertainty.
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INSIGHT

Incredulity Toward Metanarratives

  • Postmodernism rejects grand unifying metanarratives like Marxism and overarching replacements for God.
  • Post-structuralism and deconstruction emphasize taking systems apart rather than building new absolute frameworks.
INSIGHT

Everything Becomes A Text

  • Derrida asks readers to learn to read and think differently about writing and life as text.
  • He enlarges 'text' to include many cultural forms so everything becomes analyzable as writing.
ADVICE

Read Derrida Patiently

  • Don't panic if Derrida's prose feels impenetrable; reread passages and lectures patiently.
  • Persist with modest expectations and revisit his writing to uncover its main points.
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