différance
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'''' is a French term coined by Jacques Derrida. Roughly speaking, the method of différance'' is a way to analyze how signs (words, symbols, metaphors, etc) come to have meanings. It suggests that meaning is not inherent in a sign but arises from its relationships with other signs, a continual process of contrasting with what comes before and later. That is, a sign acquires meaning by being different from other signs. The meaning of a sign changes over time, as new signs keep appearing and old signs keep disappearing. It is central to Derrida's concept of deconstruction, a critical outlook con
~21 min read
Article
13 sectionsContents
- Overview
- Between structure and genesis
- Illustration
- Paradox
- The web of language
- Temporal delay
- Example of word introduction
- Deconstruction and the history of philosophy
- Negative theology
- Life and technics
- Notes
- References
- External links
'''' is a French term coined by Jacques Derrida. Roughly speaking, the method of différance'' is a way to analyze how signs (words, symbols, metaphors, etc) come to have meanings. It suggests that meaning is not inherent in a sign but arises from its relationships with other signs, a continual process of contrasting with what comes before and later. That is, a sign acquires meaning by being different from other signs. The meaning of a sign changes over time, as new signs keep appearing and old signs keep disappearing. It is central to Derrida's concept of deconstruction, a critical outlook concerned with the relationship between text and meaning.
However, the meaning of a sign is not just determined by the system of signs present currently. Past meanings leave "traces", and possible future meanings "haunt". The meaning of a sign is determined by the interaction between past traces, future haunts, and the system of signs in the present.