Jacques Derrida, and the theory of deconstruction

Abstract

De Saussure's dichtomies, the notion of structure and system under which sphones, speech and even meaning are organized, are all issues leaving room for possible investigations.

Derrida's notion of deconstruction appears to differentiate itself from the prior foundations of Western thought by basing the identity of the sign on its difference and not on the union of the signifier and the signified. It is also characterized by its reference (difference and différance) to the absent meaning which stimulates mental activity.

Dérrida appeals to the written word to curb the authority of speech and consequently to obstruct the domination of the mediator involuntarily supported by the structuralism of De Saussure.

The issues of the system, and its validity as well as the permanent possibility of affiliating the signs to a system that can be controlled and assimilated are all questions that must be raised.