Jacques Derrida's Cambridge Affair: Deconstruction, Philosophy and Institutionality

The philosophy of Jacques Derrida was debated at Cambridge in 1992, with supporters arguing that his deconstruction of Western traditions of thinking ushered in an important new manner of doing philosophy, while detractors dismissed his work as charlatanism and non-philosophy. This is the first study of the Cambridge Affair, which offers an historical and philosophical reconstruction of the debate and evaluates it against Derrida's work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Philosophy is a profound and intriguing question that is frequently asked in abstract or speculative terms. It is uncommon to witness philosophy being applied in the real world. However, in 1992, a remarkable event occurred at Cambridge when a debate unfolded over the merits of awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Letters to the philosopher Jacques Derrida. Derrida's supporters argued that his deconstruction of Western traditions of thinking had introduced a significant new approach to philosophy, while his detractors dismissed his work as charlatanism, philistinism, and non-philosophy.

As the debate raged over the inclusion of Continental philosophy in the Humanities curriculum in British higher education, known as the "Theory Wars," Derrida's "Cambridge Affair" became the focal point of this decisive conflict. This is the first study of the Cambridge Affair, which draws upon archival and unpublished material, little-known texts related to the Affair, and Derrida's own oeuvre. Through an historical and philosophical reconstruction of this crucial debate, this original account evaluates it against the body of work it put on trial.

Derrida's supporters contended that his deconstruction of Western philosophical traditions had inaugurated a transformative new manner of philosophical inquiry. They argued that his work challenged traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and language, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence and the world around us. They saw his deconstruction as a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and as a means of promoting critical thinking and intellectual rigor.

On the other hand, Derrida's detractors dismissed his work as mere intellectual gymnastics, devoid of any practical or philosophical significance. They accused him of undermining the foundations of Western philosophy and of promoting a relativistic and deconstructive approach that was more interested in subverting established norms than in constructing new ideas. They argued that his work was not only non-philosophical but also harmful to the academic community, as it perpetuated misunderstandings and confusion about the nature of philosophy.

The Cambridge Affair brought to light the ongoing debate about the role of philosophy in contemporary society. It highlighted the tension between traditional philosophical approaches and more experimental and interdisciplinary approaches, such as deconstruction. The Affair also raised questions about the boundaries between philosophy and other disciplines, such as literature, art, and politics, and about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Cambridge Affair was a significant event in the history of philosophy that brought to light the complex and contentious nature of the discipline. It demonstrated the power of philosophical ideas to inspire debate and controversy and the importance of engaging in critical and intellectual discourse to advance our understanding of the world. While the debate over the merits of Derrida's work continues to this day, his contribution to philosophy remains profound and influential, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of thinkers.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 219 x 154 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538148129