Derrida introduced the concept of deconstruction to refer to a method of critical analysis primarily applied to texts and discourse. At its core, deconstruction challenges traditional notions of binary oppositions and hierarchies by exposing the inherent complexities, contradictions, and ambiguities within them. It involves unravelling the layers of meaning in a text to reveal the underlying assumptions and biases, often highlighting the presence of marginalized voices or alternative interpretations.
Deconstruction does not seek to dismantle or destroy meaning but rather to explore the multiple interpretations and possibilities that exist within a text. It emphasizes the fluidity and instability of language, suggesting that meanings are not fixed but are constantly shifting and evolving based on context and perspective.
Derrida argued that language is inherently unstable, and attempts to fix meaning ultimately lead to exclusion and marginalization. Therefore, deconstruction aims to disrupt the binary oppositions that structure thought and language, opening up new ways of understanding and engaging with texts and ideas. It encourages readers to interrogate texts and discourse to uncover hidden assumptions and explore alternative interpretations.
This is something I am exploring applied to human bodies and our being physical entities. Borrowing some of Derrida’s ideas gives a different perspective on how the human body is understood.
An alternative title I often bandy with is 'Reconstructing Humpty'. I shall begin to describe what this means at a later date. (I say 'begin' because it is an ongoing process.)
