Jacques Derrida: Live Theory [Paperback]

James KA Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826462812 | ISBN-13: 978-0826462817 | Publication Date: November 1, 2005 | Edition: annotated edition

Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is a new introduction to the work of this most influential of contemporary philosophers. It covers Derrida's corpus in its entirety - from his earliest work in phenomenology and the philosophy of language, to his most recent work in ethics, politics and religion. It investigates Derrida's contribution to, and impact upon such disciplines as philosophy, literary theory, cultural studies, aesthetics and theology. Throughout, the key concepts that underpin Derrida's thought are thoroughly examined; in particular, the notion of 'the Other' or 'alterity' is employed to indicate a fundamental continuity from Derrida's earliest to his latest work. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding Derrida's philosophical heritage as the key to understanding the interdisciplinary impact of his project. In the wake of Derrida's death, the book includes an "interview" that interrogates the very notion of "live" theory as a way into the core themes of deconstruction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Article by the author referencing the book throughout – ChristianityToday.com, October 18, 2004 (Christianity Today )

'Over the coming decades [Derrida's] work will be repeatedly examined to find what in it calls forth new futures for reading, writing and thinking. James K. A. Smith's lucid and comprehensive guide to Derrida places its readers in an enviable vantage point to see those diverse futures as they begin to arrive and change our lives.' Kevin Hart, Professor and Chair of English, University of Notre Dame

'James K.A. Smith has written a lively, sure-footed guide to key landmarks in the immense territory of Derrida' thought .... The task of reading Derrida has only just begun and Smith's book issues an open and congenial invitation to get on with it. ' Peggy Kamuf, Marion Frances Chevalier Professor of French and Comparative Literature, University of Southern California

'James K. A. Smith's Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is extremely accessible - it is very well-written in a clear and attractive prose, moving smoothly across many different topics at a good pace ... his choice of themes offers a good representation of the main dimensions of Derrida's thought ... Smith takes the reader on an engaging and very lucid tour of Derrida's oeuvre.'

(Samir Haddad, Northwestern University Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews )

'[will] excite and engage' (Arnab Chatterjee, Political Studies Review )

'James K. A. Smith's Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is extremely accessible - it is very well-written in a clear and attractive prose, moving smoothly across many different topics at a good pace ... his choice of themes offers a good representation of the main dimensions of Derrida's thought ... Smith takes the reader on an engaging and very lucid tour of Derrida's oeuvre.'

(, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews )

About the Author

James K. A. Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; annotated edition edition (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826462812
• ISBN-13: 978-0826462817
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,265,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James K.A. Smith teaches philosophy and theology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, having previously taught at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He has been a visiting professor at Fuller Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Regent College in Vancouver, BC. Originally trained in philosophical theology and contemporary French philosophy, Smith's work is focused on cultural criticism informed by the Christian theological tradition. His more popular writing has also appeared in magazines such as the Christian Century, Christianity Today, First Things, Harvard Divinity Bulletin, and others.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Clear and crucial for Derrida scholarship, January 9, 2012

By 

Tsantsoulas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jacques Derrida: Live Theory (Paperback)

I came across this book in researching my M.A. thesis and I was extremely glad that I did! Smith's writing is accessible and organized (perhaps compensating for his infamous subject matter?) and gave me an easy reference for Derridean deconstruction. Not only is the book a handy introduction for those new to Derrida, it is also a great tool for those who find themselves slipping ever so slightly into believing the 'Derrida' monster. I found myself frequently referring back to Smith's book in order to remind myself that Deconstruction is not what it is often made out to be (negative, nihilistic, intent on destroying truth and being). Given that my task was to critique one of Derrida's deconstructionist critiques, keeping 'Derrida' away from Derrida proved more than valuable. I would recommend this book to any academic interested in Derrida. Invaluable.