La déconstruction de l'onto-théologie par Jacques Derrida : détour littéraire et mise en relief de la matrice langagière comme "différance"
The play of traces described in Derrida's "différance" highlights the fact that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary. Deconstruction thus undermines the guaranteed certainty of presence, which is at the very core of Western metaphysical tradition or "logocentrism". Ontology appears to be forever tainted by the "hauntological" presence of the trace. The equivocal and infinite logic of the supplement forbids access to any uncontaminated origin. As nothing exists outside the differential mechanism of the text, we are caught up in a maze of signs, unable to bypass the complex process of language. The main purpose of our study is to provide an accurate understanding of Derrida's deconstruction of onto-theology by drawing attention to the importance of language. Just like general discourse, philosophy is affected by the play of difference, as philosophemes are themselves embedded in the metaphorical roots of language. Derrida's work on literature is well-known but we will show that his literary analyses are part of a strategy to emphasize the "undecidability" of all texts. In the regard, Mallarmé's attention to syntax, vocabulary, his purposeful use of spacing and the disruption of conventional textual linearity, will have a significant impact on deconstruction. The permanent displacement of any reference in Mallarmé's "mimique" will indeed provide Derrida with a useful tool to deconstruct the traditional Platonic schema of "mimesis" and consequently, "luxate" the philosophical ear. Philosophy is however not destructed, yet renewed. As the ambivalence of language is stressed, philosophy has no choice but to jettison its transcendental claims and be open to "destinerrance" and aporiae. The "colonial" structure of all language reminds us that language always comes from the "other" or "wholly other". The absolute welcoming of the "other", this unconditional hospitality, will lead us towards the analysis of "religion" -or should we say "traces of religion"- in Derrida's deconstruction. Derrida's "turns" to religion but, at the same time, knows how to "turn religion around", as he cleverly dismantles any faith in essentialism.
Derrida deconstruction litterature differance ecriture onto-theologie supplement ecriture philosophy literature language writing text onto-theology religion sign signifier