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Overview
Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is a new introduction to the work of this most influential of contemporary philosophers. It covers Derrida's corpus in its entirety - from his earliest work in phenomenology and the philosophy of language, to his most recent work in ethics, politics and religion. It investigates Derrida's contribution to, and impact upon such disciplines as philosophy, literary theory, cultural studies, aesthetics and theology. Throughout, the key concepts that underpin Derrida's thought are thoroughly examined; in particular, the notion of 'the Other' or 'alterity' is employed to indicate a fundamental continuity from Derrida's earliest to his latest work.
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding Derrida's philosophical heritage as the key to understanding the interdisciplinary impact of his project. In the wake of Derrida's death, the book includes an "interview" that interrogates the very notion of "live" theory as a way into the core themes of deconstruction.
Synopsis
Writing for general readers and engaged undergraduates, Smith (philosophy, Calvin College, Michigan) introduces what he considers the main currents in the thought of the contemporary French philosopher. He agues that most misunderstanding of Derrida stems from a failure to read his actual work, and explains some passages that have been important in the reception of his work. He also emphasizes interviews with him as portals to his texts. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR