The Understanding of Difference in Heidegger and Derrida

By Douglas L. Donkel

This study examines the complex relationship between Martin Heidegger's concept of Difference and Jacques Derrida's neologism Diff rance in light of the problem of Being. Set in a theological context, it argues that Derrida's reflections call into question Heidegger's account of Difference, thus problematizing the Seinsfrage and forestalling any theological appropriation of Being. Further, it argues that Derrida's discourse on Diff rance is itself paradoxical, indicating its status is logically undecidable. Inspired by Heidegger's charge to think the Difference, this work characterizes Derrida's thought as a response to this mandate, and takes as its own task the further thinking through of the problematics of Difference in these thinkers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0820419613
• ISBN13: 9780820419619
• Release Date: December 1992
• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publi
• Length: 221 Pages