Perjury and Pardon, Volume I

Perjury and Pardon is a two-year series of seminars by Jacques Derrida at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales in Paris in the late 1990s. Derrida explores the philosophical, ethical, juridical, and political stakes of the concept of responsibility and develops a "problematic of lying" by studying diverse forms of betrayal. He insists on the unconditionality of forgiveness and shows how its complex temporality destabilizes all ideas of presence and even of subjecthood. Through close readings of Kant, Kierkegaard, Shakespeare, Plato, Jankélévitch, Baudelaire, and Kafka, as well as biblical texts, Derrida explores diverse notions of the "evil" or malignancy of lying while developing a complex account of forgiveness across different traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

“One only ever asks forgiveness for what is unforgivable.” This enigmatic statement serves as the focal point of Jacques Derrida's groundbreaking exploration into the complex issue of perjury, or lying, and its profound implications for philosophy, ethics, law, and politics. Spanning two years, Derrida delved into the depths of this subject through a series of seminars held at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales in Paris during the late 1990s. In these intellectually stimulating sessions, Derrida aimed to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of responsibility, drawing upon a wide range of philosophical, ethical, juridical, and political perspectives.

At the heart of Derrida's endeavor was the development of a "problematic of lying." He sought to examine the diverse manifestations of betrayal, encompassing infidelity, denial, false testimony, perjury, broken promises, desecration, sacrilege, and blasphemy. By meticulously analyzing these forms of treachery, Derrida aimed to establish a framework for understanding the philosophical, ethical, juridical, and political implications of lying.

While forgiveness is a concept that has been deeply rooted in various traditions, Derrida argued that the process of forgiveness defies conventional understanding and disrupts the categories of knowledge, sense, history, and law that seek to confine it. He emphasized the unconditional nature of forgiveness and demonstrated how its intricate temporality destabilizes all notions of presence and even subjecthood. For Derrida, forgiveness cannot be reduced to mere repentance, punishment, retribution, or salvation; rather, it is an intricate and multifaceted phenomenon that intertwines with the notion of perjury.

To explore these complex themes, Derrida drew upon a diverse range of sources, including the works of Kant, Kierkegaard, Shakespeare, Plato, Jankélévitch, Baudelaire, and Kafka, as well as biblical texts. Through meticulous close readings, he sought to unravel the intricate nuances of lying and develop a comprehensive account of forgiveness across different traditions.

In his exploration, Derrida delved into diverse notions of the "evil" or malignancy of lying. He questioned the moral and ethical implications of deceit, exploring how it undermines trust, disrupts relationships, and erodes the foundations of justice. At the same time, he recognized the complexities of forgiveness, acknowledging that it is a deeply personal and subjective process that cannot be reduced to a simple formula or prescription.

Derrida's analysis of forgiveness was characterized by a nuanced and multifaceted approach. He recognized that forgiveness is not solely a matter of absolving one's transgressions but also involves a process of transformation and growth. He emphasized the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in the process of forgiving, as well as the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and seek redemption.

Furthermore, Derrida's work on perjury and pardon shed light on the political dimensions of lying. He argued that perjury is not just a moral or ethical issue but also a matter of power and authority. He explored how political systems use lies and deceit to manipulate public opinion, maintain power, and suppress dissent. Derrida also emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and democratic processes in combating perjury and promoting truthfulness.

In conclusion, Jacques Derrida's Perjury and Pardon is a seminal work that delves into the complex issue of perjury, or lying, and its profound implications for philosophy, ethics, law, and politics. Through his meticulous analysis and exploration of diverse forms of betrayal, Derrida establishes a framework for understanding the philosophical, ethical, juridical, and political stakes of lying. He emphasizes the unconditional nature of forgiveness and its intricate temporality, challenging conventional notions of knowledge, sense, history, and law. By drawing upon a wide range of sources and traditions, Derrida develops a comprehensive account of forgiveness that encompasses personal, social, and political dimensions. Through his work, Derrida encourages individuals to embrace empathy, understanding, and compassion in the process of forgiving, while also advocating for transparency, accountability, and democratic processes in combating perjury and promoting truthfulness.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226819174