Appositions of Jacques Derrida and Emmanuel Levinas

Book excerpt: If not simple opposition or simple juxtaposition, what is the relation between the writings to which Derrida and Levinas appose their signatures? What would each endorse in the writings of the other? What is it to sign and endorse? How does one assume responsibility, and how does one avoid assuming it? These are some of the probing questions that the prominent Continental philosopher John Llewelyn takes up in Appositions, which brings together and synthesises fifteen essays written during the past twenty years. Drawing out the metaphor of the Greek letter chi, or "x," Llewelyn apposes the discussions of the two philosophers, applying their thought to one another. In considering the work of Derrida and Levinas from the points of view of philosophy, linguistics, logic, and theology, Llewelyn invokes a diverse array of philosophers, theologians, and literary figures, including Austin, Defoe, Hegel, Heidegger, Jankelevitch, Kant, Mallarme, Plato, Ponge, Ramsey, Rosenzweig, Russell, Saussure, and Valery. This book by a powerfully original thinker and first-rate interpreter is essential reading for all those interested in the writings of Derrida and Levinas and in the ways in which their thinking intersects.