Derrida vs. Heidegger

Attribute	Derrida	Heidegger
Philosophical Movement	Post-structuralism	Existentialism
Key Concepts	Differance, Deconstruction	Being, Dasein, Ontology
Approach to Language	Deconstruction of language, focus on textuality	Emphasis on language as the house of being
Relationship to Tradition	Critical of traditional metaphysics	Engages with the history of philosophy
Notable Works	Of Grammatology, Writing and Difference	Being and Time, The Question Concerning Technology

Background

Jacques Derrida and Martin Heidegger are two of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. Both thinkers have made significant contributions to the fields of phenomenology, existentialism, and deconstruction. While they share some similarities in their philosophical approaches, they also have distinct differences in their views on language, ontology, and the nature of being.

Views on Language

Derrida is best known for his theory of deconstruction, which challenges traditional notions of language and meaning. He argues that language is inherently unstable and that meaning is always deferred, never fully present. Derrida's deconstructive approach seeks to reveal the hidden assumptions and contradictions within texts, showing how language can never fully capture reality.

On the other hand, Heidegger's views on language are more focused on the relationship between language and being. Heidegger believes that language is the house of being, the medium through which we come to understand ourselves and the world. He argues that language shapes our understanding of reality and that we must pay attention to the ways in which language structures our experience.

Ontology

When it comes to ontology, Derrida and Heidegger have different perspectives on the nature of being. Derrida is critical of traditional metaphysics, which he sees as privileging presence over absence. He argues that Western philosophy has historically marginalized difference and otherness, leading to a narrow understanding of being.

Heidegger, on the other hand, is known for his concept of being-in-the-world, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings and their environment. Heidegger's ontology is focused on the idea of Dasein, or being-there, which refers to the unique way in which humans exist in the world. Heidegger believes that our understanding of being is shaped by our everyday experiences and interactions.

Approach to Philosophy

While both Derrida and Heidegger are known for their complex and innovative philosophical ideas, they have different approaches to the practice of philosophy. Derrida's deconstructive method involves close readings of texts, uncovering hidden meanings and contradictions within language. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his willingness to challenge established philosophical norms.

Heidegger, on the other hand, takes a more existential approach to philosophy, focusing on the fundamental questions of human existence. He is interested in the ways in which we experience the world and the ways in which we come to understand ourselves. Heidegger's philosophy is often characterized by its poetic and metaphorical language, which seeks to capture the ineffable nature of being.

Influence and Legacy

Both Derrida and Heidegger have had a profound impact on the fields of philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. Derrida's deconstructive approach has influenced a wide range of disciplines, from literary theory to architecture. His ideas about language and meaning continue to be debated and discussed by scholars around the world.

Heidegger's philosophy has also had a lasting influence on contemporary thought, particularly in the areas of existentialism and phenomenology. His concept of being-in-the-world has inspired thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, who have further developed his ideas on human existence and the nature of reality.