Restraining in Theory: A Review of the Debate between Derrida and Searle

Abstract

Abstract: The paper tries to reflect on the debate between Jacques Derrida and John R. Searle, in which Derrida tried to deconstruct Searle's speech-act theory with his usual style of approaching other theories with his preconceived ethical-political view. Searle, on the other hand, reproaches Derrida for his purposeful obscuration in his act of deconstruction and his ignorance of Anglo-American philosophy of language. The debate revealed the political intention of deconstructive criticism, but it has also brought Searle's linguistic theory to the attention of literary theorists.

Key words: speech act, John R. Searle, Jacques Derrida, deconstruction, philosophy of language

Feng Qing. Restraining in Theory: A Review of the Debate between Derrida and Searle[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 2014, 34(5): 154-160.

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