Différance

Definition

Différance is a term coined by Jacques Derrida that signifies the dual concept of difference and deferral in meaning within language. It emphasizes that meaning is not fixed but always in a state of flux, shaped by its relationship to other words and concepts, and that understanding involves an ongoing process of interpretation and reinterpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Différance highlights that words do not have a single, definitive meaning; instead, their meanings are shaped by their relationships with other words.
2. The term combines two French words: 'différence' (difference) and 'différer' (to defer), emphasizing both the relational nature of meaning and its temporal aspect.
3. Derrida uses différance to challenge the traditional notion of presence in philosophy, suggesting that meaning is always absent or deferred.
4. In deconstruction, différance plays a key role in demonstrating how texts can be interpreted in multiple ways, revealing contradictions and complexities.
5. Différance underlines the idea that understanding is an ongoing process rather than a destination, as new interpretations continuously emerge.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of différance challenge traditional views of meaning in language?
  • Différance challenges traditional views by suggesting that meaning is not fixed or inherent but rather dynamic and relational. Instead of seeing words as having direct correspondence to stable ideas, différance shows that meanings arise from their differences from one another and are continuously deferred through interpretation. This means understanding is never complete; it evolves as new contexts and associations arise.
• In what ways does différance influence Derrida's method of deconstruction when analyzing texts?
  • Différance is central to Derrida's method of deconstruction because it reveals how texts harbor multiple meanings through their interplay of signs. Deconstruction aims to uncover these complexities by highlighting contradictions and ambiguities within the text, demonstrating that interpretation is fluid. This approach encourages readers to recognize the instability of meaning rather than seeking a singular interpretation.
• Discuss the implications of différance for our understanding of knowledge and truth in philosophy.
  • The implications of différance for our understanding of knowledge and truth are profound. By asserting that meanings are constantly deferred and shaped by context, it challenges the idea that knowledge can be absolute or universally true. Instead, it suggests that truth is contingent upon interpretation and perspective, leading to a more nuanced view of philosophical inquiry where multiple viewpoints are valid and knowledge is always provisional.

Related terms

Deconstruction: A critical approach developed by Derrida that seeks to unravel the underlying assumptions and contradictions within texts, revealing how meaning is constructed rather than inherent.

Signifier: The physical form of a word or symbol that represents an idea or concept, crucial to understanding how meanings are created and related in language.

Play of Signification: The idea that meanings are never stable but always shifting due to the interconnectedness of signs, leading to a constant play of interpretations.