Week 2 - Destructuralism Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who created destructuralism?

Jacques Derrida

What is destructuralism?

A critique of structuralism, involving breaking down binary oppositions

What are qualities of binary opposition?

One has power over the other, is defined by the lack

What is interesting about binary oppositions and their structure?

They arrange themselves in hierarchy, one is privileged Signup and view all the answers

What is another aspect of binary oppositions?

They are differential systems that only have meaning when compared Signup and view all the answers

What are some tenets of structuralism?

Each system has a structure, determines position of every element, it is not natural, hierarchy, hidden structure but real beneath the surface, coexistence over change Signup and view all the answers

What's notable about centres in structuralism?

They exist, but they are also not the centre. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the meaning of our actions come from in structuralism?

From systems, not users. Signup and view all the answers

What is deconstruction?

A way of thinking about binaries and breaking them down. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 1st step to deconstruction?

Acknowledge that one binary opposition is always subordinate to the other in the hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is the 2nd step to deconstruction?

See that binary oppositions are unstable - one term often forms the other while also depends on the other Signup and view all the answers

What is the 3rd step to deconstruction?

Move beyond oppositions and think of the work it does in a system Signup and view all the answers

Why did Derrida critique language and Saussure?

It was too neat, assumes only one relationship between signifier and signified Signup and view all the answers

How did Derrida think language worked?

It was a chain of signifiers - differance, to differ and defer in a diachronic history Signup and view all the answers

What is differance?

Meaning deferred to the next sign, but also defined by difference Signup and view all the answers

What are some names for the centre?

Man, god, essence, origin Signup and view all the answers

In a structured system, what do binary oppositions do?

They close signification Signup and view all the answers

What studies arose from structuralism?

Anthropology, literary studies, psychology, psychoanalysis, philosophy, sociology Signup and view all the answers

How is language a structured system?

Each term has meaning because it is not something else, they contain a trace of every other term Signup and view all the answers

What is the event?

The moment when the structurality of structure had to begin to be thought - the arrival of structuralism Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnocentrism?

An attempt to decenter European culture and make it no longer the culture of reference Signup and view all the answers

Why is ethnocentrism problematic?

It relies on the idea that western thought is to be compared to others Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Destructuralism Overview

Founded by Jacques Derrida as a critique of structuralism.
Dismantles binary oppositions, challenging traditional hierarchies.

Binary Oppositions (B.Os)

One term holds power over the other, defined by the absence of its counterpart.
Arranged in a hierarchical structure with one term privileged over the other.
Operate as differential systems, deriving meaning primarily through comparison.

Structuralism Tenets

Each system has a defined structure that positions every element within it.
Structures are not natural; they are hidden yet real beneath the surface.
Emphasizes coexistence over change in understanding systems.

Centers and Signification

Centers exist but are also not definitive, as they help define a system.
Meaning is derived from systems rather than individual users.

Deconstruction Process

First step: Recognize hierarchical subordinate relationships in binary oppositions.
Second step: Acknowledge instability within these oppositions, where terms influence one another.
Third step: Move beyond binaries to analyze the functions of terms within a system.

Language and Its Function

Derrida criticized Saussure's perspective on language for being overly simplistic.
He proposed that language functions as a chain of signifiers; concepts of 'differance' are vital, implying meaning is both deferred and defined by differences.

The Center

Terms such as man, god, essence, and origin are often viewed as central references in discussions of meaning.

Signification in Structured Systems

Binary oppositions suppress signification, limiting the scope of meaning within a structure.

Legacy of Structuralism

Influenced various fields, including anthropology, literary studies, psychology, psychoanalysis, philosophy, and sociology.

Language as a Structured System

Each term's meaning arises from its difference from other terms, containing traces of all related terms.

The Event of Structuralism

Marks the moment when the concept of structure needed reevaluation and deeper understanding began.

Ethnocentrism

The practice of attempting to neutralize European culture as the reference point for all cultural discussions.

Critique of Ethnocentrism

It is flawed as it assumes Western thought forms a basis for comparison among cultures, which is problematic.

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Description

Test your knowledge on destructuralism with these flashcards created for Week 2. Learn about key concepts such as Jacques Derrida's role, the critique of structuralism, and the nature of binary oppositions. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this critical theory.