more from Jacques Derrida

Single Idea 21933

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 1. Meaning]

Full Idea

Writing can and must be able to do without the presence of the sender. ...Also writing can and must he able to do without the presence of the receiver.

Gist of Idea

Writing functions even if the sender or the receiver are absent

Source

report of Jacques Derrida (works [1990]) by Simon Glendinning - Derrida: A Very Short Introduction 6

Book Reference

Glendinning,Simon: 'Derrida: a Very Short Intro' [OUP 2011], p.70


A Reaction

In simple terms, one of them could die during the transmission. This is the grounds for the assertion of the primacy of writing. It opposes orthodox views which define language in terms of sender and receiver.