Derrida and America
University College Dublin, Ireland
June 12-13th, 2009
Keynote Speakers – Prof. Christina Howells (Oxford University)
Prof. Julian Wolfreys (Loughborough University)
In a collection of essays in memory of Jacques Derrida published by Routledge in 2008, Michael Naas and Peggy Kamuf both addressed the topic of “Derrida’s America,” examining the reciprocal influence of Derrida on America and of America on Derrida. Our interdisciplinary conference aims to build upon the work begun in these two pieces, and will address the importance of Derrida’s work for American literature, American philosophy, American Studies, and for understanding the meaning of America in historical, political and conceptual terms. We will also explore the role of “America” as a signifier in Derrida’s own work, and the ways in which he associates it with other concepts, such as sovereignty, religion, and the democracy-to-come.