Re: what is literature? the correct reading

Daniel,

If your reading is correct, then in order for Scottie's point to be valid he would have to demonstrate that "deconstructions" as a word (or "phenomenologies" or "existentialisms") is more like the word "MRI" or "psychoanalysis" than it is like "literature." I'd like to see that demonstration.

Otherwise, this is just one more of Scottie's vague oversimplifications.

As I suspected it inevitably would, this discussion has once again deteriorated into nonsense and silliness, with no one doing any actual reading, no one citing any actual texts, and no one making any supported arguments. I have, in the past, offered a couple of readings of my own and a detailed statement about what I think the term has meant and I have offered a good sized list of reading suggestions for further understanding and I have had the temerity that people who are really interested read the primary texts. I'm not sure what else I can do.

"Deconstruction" is a term used to refer most specifically to a set of diverse philosophical texts and readings written by Jacques Derrida between the years of 1967 and 1980, roughly. Derrida himself uses the term quite sparingly and emphasizes the fact that his readings should each be considered on their own merits and not as part of any school or movement or even any method. People interested in the history of the term and its most accurate meaning are advised to read those texts.

Or, sit with someone who has read those texts and listen over a long period of time as they review them and discuss them.

Otherwise, you are just a tourist with a typewriter and your conversation will remain ill-informed and of little use.

All the best,

--John
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Received on Fri Mar 7 12:02:44 2003