Re: BHA: truth

[Colin.Wight@xxxxxxxxxx (Colin Wight)]

Hi Doug, Ruth (and everyone),

Just a small point on the Habermas issue. I agree, mainly with Doug on this
point (some minor points of disagreement - I don't think the speaker _need_
be committed to the truth of the assertion, or else how do we understand
lies?), but what's really interesting to me on this point is Derrida's
recent articulation and endorsement of it.

For example Derrida argues, in very Habermasian tone, 'There is no language
without the performative dimension of the promise, the minute I open my
mouth I am in the promise. Even if I say that 'I don't believe in truth' or
whatever, the minute I open my mouth there is a 'believe me' in play...And
from this point of view, I do not see how one can pose the question of
ethics if one renounces the motifs of emancipation and the messianic.
Emancipation is once again a vast question today and I must say that I have
no tolerance for those who - deconstructionist or not - are ironical with
regard to the grand discourse of emancipation. This attitude has always
distressed and irritated me.' (Derrida, 1996: 82)


Welcome to the cause Jacques.


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Dr. Colin Wight
Department of International Politics
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Tel: (01970) 621769

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