Spettralità: tra la vita e a morte

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the concept of spectrality in Jacques Derrida's thought. To do this, I will start from the terminological aspect, in order to distinguish this notion from that of "spirit". Then, I will try to compare the derridean view with the idea of spirit in Hegel and Heidegger. At this point, I will show how the spectrum is a useful deconstructive category, because it allows to think in a new way the dichotomous pairs typical of metaphysical thought: presence/absence, life/death, soul/body, personal/impersonal. Finally, I will show the ethical scope of this concept, describing the relationship between it and the idea of justice.