Graduation Year
2015
Date of Submission
4-2015
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy and Public Affairs
Reader 1
James Kreines
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2015 Christopher A. Wheat
Abstract
Derrida’s deconstruction of the philosophic tradition shows us not only the importance of pursuit of knowledge, but also the importance of questioning the assumptions on which such a pursuit is based. He argues that the metaphysical tradition is built from the privileging of the logos (speech, thought, and logic,) over it’s opposite, and while Derrida does not object to the societal results of such a privileging, he questions why we allow ourselves to make such an assumption in the investigation of the origin event, and in the nature of reality.
I chose to study deconstruction because through the course of my studies at Claremont I found myself raising similar objections to the philosophic tradition, and have a great interest in the arts and culture resulting from deconstructionist philosophy. Through my study I’ve learned to better examine not only the reasons for my own interest in philosophy and the arts, but the importance (or un-importance) of such a pursuit. I believe Derrida’s work could be important in teaching us the absurdity of sacred pursuit, and the importance of finding said sacredness in everything.
Recommended Citation
Wheat, Christopher A., "Derrida's Objection To The Metaphysical Tradition" (2015). CMC Senior Theses. 1188.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1188
