Derrida and Deconstruction

This is the second volume in the series Continental Philosophy. The series is oriented towards current work developing out of philosophical texts and traditions originating on European ground (since Hegel, Marx and Nietzsche). The effects of Derrida’s writings have been widespread in literary circles and indeed they have significantly transformed current work in literary theory. Although this effect cannot be underestimated, his philosophical writings have not received adequate attention by philosophers. While Derrida has not himself offered a systematic reading of the history of philosophy, nevertheless, his essays span the whole range of Western thought from Plato to Foucault. This volume is organised around Derrida’s readings of these major figures in the history of philosophy. A variety of contemporary continental philosophers offer an assessment of Derrida’s account of these major figures. Each contributor has provided a critical study of Derrida’s position on one major figures in the history of philosophy, including Plato, Meister Eckhart, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Freud, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre and Foucault.