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Derrida: A Very Short Introduction

Simon Glendinning

August 2011

ISBN: 9780192803450

144 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

Simon Glendinning explores Jacque Derrida's work, from his engagement with the history of metaphysics to his views on law and justice and ethics and politics. Confronting and refuting claims that Derrida was an irresponsible 'postmodernist' or 'nihilist' he instead reveals Derrida's significant contributions to philosophy.

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Description

Simon Glendinning explores Jacque Derrida's work, from his engagement with the history of metaphysics to his views on law and justice and ethics and politics. Confronting and refuting claims that Derrida was an irresponsible 'postmodernist' or 'nihilist' he instead reveals Derrida's significant contributions to philosophy.

  • Explores Derrida's main books and essays and considers his central themes to provide a comprehensive picture of his work
  • Explains the theory of deconstruction and refutes the claims that it is negative and destructive
  • Defends Derrida against some of the attacks from the analytical philosophical community whilst explaining why it is that his work inspires such passionate criticism
  • Seeks to give the newcomer a sense of Derrida's challenge to the philosophical tradition, combined with some understanding of the range of reactions that challenge has provoked
  • Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over three million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Simon Glendinning, Reader in European Philosophy, European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science

Table of Contents

    1:A picture of Derrida
    2:Misunderestimating Derrida
    3:Reading the logocentric heritage
    4:The rehabiliation of writing
    5:Law and justice
    6:Politics and friendship
    7:The ends of man
    8:Starting over
    References
    Further Reading
    Index

Reviews

"Glendinning's overview is accurate and informed" - Times Literary Supplement

"it's very short, and certainly worth reading" - New Statesman

"Glendinnings book is dense and fast-paced; although extensive philosophical knowledge is not assumed, its readers are required to assimilate complex ideas at quite some speed and this in itself will be enough to deter some. However, Glendinnings implied reader is perhaps not the philosophical novice, rather the curious student or scholar made wary by Derridas reputation and the hostility of the tradition. In this case, Glendinnings clarity and rigour, his commitment to careful reading, and his skilful mediation between Derridas voluminous back-catalogue and the inexperienced reader will be sufficient to engage and stimulate new readers and new readings of Derridas work."

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