Deconstruction: Principles and Textual Strategies in Philosophy

This exam centers on the principles of deconstruction as articulated by Jacques Derrida. Students will examine the strategies involved in questioning the stability of meaning within texts and the implications for traditional philosophical thought.

Deconstruction has had lasting effects on literary criticism, ethics, and feminist theory, influencing how texts are read and understood across various disciplines. Its impact prompts a reevaluation of established norms and truths in philosophical discourse.

Verbal assessments will evaluate students' abilities to discuss key deconstructive strategies, such as différance and the interplay of presence and absence, and to apply these concepts to contemporary texts.

Preparation should involve familiarization with seminal works of Derrida and examples from literature and philosophy that illustrate the process of deconstruction.