Edmund Husserl's "Origin of Geometry": An Introduction [Paperback]

Jacques Derrida (Author), John P. Leavey Jr. (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0803265808 | ISBN-13: 978-0803265806 | Publication Date: May 1, 1989

Edmund Husserl's Origin of Geometry": An Introduction (1962) is Jacques Derrida's earliest published work. In this commentary-interpretation of the famous appendix to Husserl's The Crisis of European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology, Derrida relates writing to such key concepts as differing, consciousness, presence, and historicity. Starting from Husserl's method of historical investigation, Derrida gradually unravels a deconstructive critique of phenomenology itself, which forms the foundation for his later criticism of Western metaphysics as a metaphysics of presence. The complete text of Husserl's Origin of Geometry is included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of Derrida’s best."—Radical Philosophy

(Radical Philosophy )

"Derrida''s ''deconstructive'' critique of phenomenology relates writing to the key concept of ''consciousness of difference.'' Following Husserl, he explores the philosophical and traditional roots of geometry and the sciences as a kind of history. . . . [This book] shows original thinking, and [is] accurate but demanding."—Library Journal

(Library Journal )

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (May 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803265808
• ISBN-13: 978-0803265806
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Derrida's first book., July 4, 2010

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This review is from: Edmund Husserl's "Origin of Geometry": An Introduction (Paperback)

What this unusual book has to offer include the following.

1. A detailed, occasionally critical, close reading of Husserl's essay.

2. A look at the logic, in its nascent state, that Derrida will continue to develop and deploy throughout his career.

3. A view of Derrida's Husserlian roots, and at his disagreement with certain aspects of these roots.

The book also contains (as it should) an English translation of Husserl's essay.

It should be of interest to those who take an interest in Derrida's work, in Husserl's work (especially his late work), and perhaps to other folks as well, for example those interested in the philosophy or phenomenology of mathematical objects and their history, in the relations between ideality and materiality, or in history or historicity.