Jacques Derrida

Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) was a French philosopher best known for developing the critical theory of deconstruction. His seminal work, "Of Grammatology" (1967), revolutionized literary criticism and philosophical inquiry by challenging traditional concepts of text and meaning. In 1972, he published "Différance," an essay that further explored the complexities of language and différance, a term he coined to describe the process of deferral and difference in communication. Derrida's influential lectures and writings, including "Margins of Philosophy" (1972), established him as a central figure in the field of post-structuralism. He held academic positions at prestigious institutions such as the École Normale Supérieure in Paris and later the University of California, Irvine. His work continues to provoke and inspire debate across various disciplines.