Jacques Derrida’s Concept of Différance

Abstract

This article aims to: 1) study the meaning characteristics influence and the impact the concept of différance on the line of philosophy and 2) analyze the Jacques Derrida’s concept of différance. The main sources of study will be focused on the works authored by Derrida, as well as other relevant documents and research. The analysis will be presented in a descriptive way.

The results of the study are as following. The reason at the back of meaning, origin, thought influence, concept of différance in philosophy is the binary oppositions that could make humans believe in either distinctive poles of the meaning in languages. Derrida pointed out that structuralism could create a rigid traditional framework that would be the basic structure for society as binary opposition which framed tradition and custom as the rigid text in the hierarchical society. For example, in male-dominated discourse, female as the opposite side, will be defined as having less power. These concepts have long been existed in the history of philosophical thought, which later, has created class society and centralization system which prevent humans from seeing from another perspectives. From this point of view, Derrida want to deconstruct and point to the différance in the conceptual structure. To do this, He uses phenomenology and existentialism as a basis for creating his own ideas.

From the various causes, Jacques Derrida’s concept of différance can be analyzed as following. According to him, there is no absolute truth, the truth is relative and therefore so many. The point where such truths can occur is the différance which will lead to various types of knowledge and the respect for other opinions. This is what Derrida has aimed to communicate and implement, it is one of the bases of humanity that would bring peace and equality up to society. This concept can be both benefits and harm because it can cause a change in the society, culture and the circle of postmodern philosophy.