The Right to Philosophy

This chapter examines how philosophy for Jacques Derrida is one of the most fundamental rights. However, rights come after responsibility. The work of deconstruction is set in motion, engaged only by a pledge of responsibility. This sense of responsibility being well understood, one may say that deconstruction reserves the right to ask any questions, to think any thought, to wonder aloud about any improbability, and to impugn the veracity of any of the most venerable verities. That seemingly self-righteous, even legalistic characterization does not mean that deconstruction takes itself to be the master and judge of all it surveys. Whenever deconstruction seems to cause or get itself into trouble — or even to look a little negative and destructive — one must remember that deconstruction is being very responsible and affirmative, indeed that deconstruction is affirmation, responsibility, and engagement, which are the touchstones of a new Enlightenment.