Locke + Derrida

Both Locke and Derrida wrote on language. Locke focused more on the imperfections, such as inconsistent use and words not attributed to specific ideas. According to Locke, there is no imperfection in talking to one’s self, as there is no confusion. “The imperfection of words is the doubtfulness or ambiguity of their signification, which is caused by the sort of ideas they stand for.” This quote is a central premise to Locke’s argument. This seems reminiscent of Derrida’s argument about the signification of words. The transient nature of words and ideas is core to both theorists. Locke sought to regulate the ways in which words are used, so as to deter this transience. Derrida does not identify this transience as explicitly problematic and does not seek to correct it. Instead he focuses his criticism on the nature of the thought processes that are used to apply definitions to words.

            The two aspects Derrida attributes as effecting conceptualization of ideas/words in relation to one another are time and space. He develops a meaning for the term differance, referring to it as an “assemblage” emphasize that it is a construct of his. His examination of his own term, differance, exemplifies the way concepts are in constant (non)contextual relation to each other. “Differance can refer to the whole complex of its meanings at once, for it is immediately and irreducibly multivalent.” Shifting through varying contexts of time and space, the constant flux of “scission and division whose differings and differences would be the constituted products or effects.” Derrida’s description of an unstable relation between the application of terms and ideas would be justification for Locke to attempt his regulation of language.

            While Locke acknowledges some of the same aspects of linguistic application as Derrida, Derrida furthers his analysis of this. Going beyond Locke’s instinct to regulate, Derrida builds off of Saussure’s theory that “The elements of signification function… by the network of oppositions that distinguish them and relate them to one another.”  Derrida has taken a more meta perspective than the theorists he has taken inspiration from. He has revealed ways in which human classification and relation of terms and concepts are influential variables in the application of language.