Questioning the Normative: On Deconstruction as Value Theory

Abstract

My thesis explores Derrida's political thought, with special focus on his essay "Force of Law: the Mystical Foundation of Authority". My main argument is that for Derrida, justice does not have its normative structure, or law is not equivalent to justice, nor is there any type of divine justice, or justice transcending the imperfect secular authority. Based upon this, Derrida contends that justice is only possible by a kind of contingent destruction of its normative construction, namely, the law, or the unjust law. In this sense, Derrida potentially highlights possible political revolution or insurrection against unjust institution, hoping that by destructing, or deconstructing the normative foundation of justice, justice could be brought back by certain type of revolutionary instant, for instance.