Deconstruction is Derrida’s approach revealing instability and contradictions within texts. Central concept: différance—meaning is deferred through endless chains of signifiers.
Developed by Derrida 1960s France. "Of Grammatology" (1967). Spread to USA 1970s-1980s through Yale School. Became controversial in philosophy wars.
Jacques Derrida, Yale School: Paul de Man, J. Hillis Miller, Geoffrey Hartman.
Différance. Deconstruction of binary oppositions. Logocentrism critique. Trace and supplement. Aporia and undecidability. Justice beyond law.
Revolutionized literary criticism. Influenced legal theory. Applied to architecture. Contributed to poststructuralism and postmodernism.
