Hello everyone,
This is a flipped learning task based on the theory of deconstruction propagated by Jacques Derrida (1930-2004). In this blog I will answer some of the questions based on the short videos which we have watched as flipped learning.
One questions that arises is that to what extent we can define something, it is not possible to define deconstructions precisely. Derrida himself asking these question of definition of deconstruction, and does not give proper definition.
No, deconstruction is not a negative term but a neutral term which is not negative or positive .Deconstruction is not literally to destroy something but it is an inquiry into the foundations.
Q)How does Deconstruction happen on its own?
Deconstruction is something which is breaks the foundation of institution or system, and it also question its own foundations as well.
Video 2
Q)The influence of Heidegger on Derrida
Heidegger's influence on Derrida is visible one, Heidegger wanted to destroy or dismantle the entire tradition of western philosophy, and it is possible through deconstruction. Both wanted to change the the way Westerners thinks.
Q)Derridean rethinking of the foundations of Western philosophy
Derrida argues that everything can explain through binary oppositions, and both are not on the equal level, one is privileged over other. Same Derrida make binary of speech and writing, in which speech is privileged over writing and writing is wholly neglected in the western.
Video 3
Q)Ferdinand de Saussureian concept of language (that meaning is arbitrary, relational, constitutive)
The idea of Saussure is the idea of sign. Language is sign, which is further divided in signifier and signified, through which we understand meaning. He also says that the relationship between signifier and signified is arbitrary.
Q)How Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness?
Derrida argue that meaning of the word is nothing but another word and this chain is going on, meaning is postpone. Signifier is signifying nothing but another signifier.
Q)Concept of metaphysics of presence
The one thing in binary is always present and the other part of it which is absent considered as other or derivative of privileged one. For example, Women is seen as other of Men.
Video 4
Q)Derridean concept of DifferAnce
Meaning of word is set of another word. Through DifferAnce Derrida conveys the idea that it is not the speech but writing is the important. We can make difference between Difference and DifferAnce while writing not speaking.
Q)Infinite play of meaning
Derrida says that meaning of one word is another word not the meaning. Signifier signify another signifier, which in return signify another signifier, and the chain goes on. Derrida calls this infinite play of meaning.
Q)DIfferAnce = to differ + to defer
Derrida combines both the term to differ and to defer, because both words used to convey same meaning which is difference.
Video 5
Q)Structure, Sign and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences
This is a paper of Derrida which was presented in John Hopkins University. This paper critiques the paper of Claude-Levi-Strauss.
Q)Explain: "Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique."
Any philosophical sentence or language contains a blind spot which demands critic, which applies to deconstruction also.
Video 6
Q)The Yale School: the hub of the practitioners of Deconstruction in the literary theories
The Yale school was knows as propagator of theory of deconstruction in 1970s and subsequently it is spread in all over America and then all over the world. The chief members of this school are Derrida, Harold Bloom, J.Hillis Miller, Paul De Man and Geoffrey Hartman.
Q)The characteristics of the Yale School of Deconstruction
Literature can create multiple meaning with the us of figurative language. Also they question aesthetic and formalist approach to the literature alongside with historic and sociological approach. They all were preoccupied with Romanticism.
Video 7
Q)How other schools like New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism and Postcolonial theorists used Deconstruction?
Marxist changes the view and power from capitalist toward the working class or oppressed people. Postcolonialism shifts their perspective from master towards the colonizers. Feminists consider women as equal to men on the binary horizon. Cultural materialism emphasis on materiality of language. New Historicism has reciprocal concern between textuality of history and historicity of text.
Thank you,
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