French philosopher Derrida to visit University as guest of Critical Inquiry

Algerian-born French philosopher Jacques Derrida visits the University on Monday, Oct. 23, for a presentation in Max Palevsky auditorium. Derrida will speak on the topic, “The Idea of the University” at 3 p.m. Arnold Davidson, Professor in Philosophy, will deliver introductory remarks.

As controversial as they have been influential, Derrida’s ideas have profoundly affected contemporary studies in philosophy, sociology and literature. His work has been cited in journal articles an estimated 14,000 times during the past 17 years, and his writings have been the subject, in whole or in part, of more than 400 books.

Derrida currently directs the Šcole des Hautes Študes en Science Sociales in Paris. Since 1986, he also has been professor of philosophy, French and comparative literature at the University of California, Irvine, and continues to lecture at academic institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.

He is the author of more than 40 books in French and Italian, and the University of Chicago Press published 15 of those in English translation. Among Derrida’s most influential works are Of Grammatology, Writing and Difference, The Margins of Philosophy, Glas, and Of Spirit. A collection of his memorial addresses and writings titled The Work of Mourning, is forthcoming from the Press in May 2001, and the Press will publish his Problem of Genesis in the Philosophy of Husserl in August 2002.

The lecture, which is being sponsored by the journal Critical Inquiry and the Division of the Humanities, is free and open to the public. People with disabilities who believe they may need assistance should call (773) 702-8477 or e-mail rafeeqhasan@hotmail.com prior to the event.