Skip to main content

On the metaphysics of exile

Rossbach, Stefan (2009) On the metaphysics of exile. In: Bullock, Marcus and Paik, Peter Y., eds. Aftermaths: Exile, Migration and Diaspora Reconsidered. New Directions in International Studies . Rutgers University Press, New Jersey, pp. 76-102. ISBN 978-0-8135-4406-9. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:10910)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://rutgerspress.rutgers.edu/acatalog/Aftermath...

Abstract

This essay analyses the experiential context of philosophies that place ‘exile’ at the centre of their understanding of human nature. Two examples from late antiquity are considered – Plotinus and ‘Gnosticism’ – before the discussion turns to Jacques Derrida. Derrida’s philosophy is often compared to negative theology, and Derrida himself has commented at length on this comparison. The paper shows that ‘deconstruction’ and ‘différance’ are not forms of negative theology but instead conform to the logic of ‘gnostic myth’ (of the Boehme-variant). Although there is some discussion in the literature of Derrida as a religious thinker, this is the only paper that places him in the literary field of Gnosticism.

Item Type: Book section
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
J Political Science > JZ International relations
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Politics and International Relations
Depositing User: Stefan Rossbach
Date Deposited: 20 Mar 2009 15:38 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:49 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/10910 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.