When Derrida says there is no escape from metaphysics he also means there is no escape from language

Greg Desilet Says: May 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 am Interesting points, Andy. But let me start with what you say at the end. “As soon as one starts using language, all these problems of metaphysics crop up. They are not there in the state beyond words.” This is precisely what Derrida’s philosophy argues against. When he says there is no escape from metaphysics he also means there is no escape from language. Here “language” must be understood broadly as in his use of the term “arche-writing.” This “writing” manifests the structure of the trace as the mark that, as it emerges, erases itself. Like the burning flame, it is dying/renewing movement.

This “writing,” according to Derrida, is also the structure of consciousness—any state of consciousness. As a dying/renewing movement, consciousness (whether “witness self” or “normal self”) is never fully “present” to itself as something that remains fully the same from moment to moment. Thus, for Derrida, any form of consciousness is split as presence/absence and in this sense there is “no state beyond words,” no state beyond the trace.

“Pure presence,” if it were to be achieved, would result not in a superessential abundance of being but rather an absolute annihilation of being. (Although, as Derrida suggests in later works, the idea of “pure presence” can, in certain contexts, serve as an “impossible” towards which one can aim in an effort to restore a balance that has been disturbed by an excess of absence or emptiness—analogous to the application of yin/yang principles in Asian healing practices).

Regarding choice, because Derrida believes there are alternative metaphysics, there is “choice” by default, since choice is never fully conscious or controlled (nor fully unconscious and uncontrolled). But each one of us can attempt to increase awareness of these choices and their consequences. As for issues of undecidability, value, and truth—yikes! That’s a big topic. I can’t do it justice here. But if you are interested and have the time you could see my attempt to make sense of all this—and from the point of view of science. This text is titled “Physics and Language—Science and Rhetoric” and can be found in downloadable PDF format under the “essays” link on my web site (www.gregorydesilet.com).