Wittgenstein and Derrida - What Is Driving Deconstruction?

Wittgenstein and Derrida share a deconstructive approach insofar as both try to show that metaphysical statements depend on a rationally arbitrary curtailment of linguistic practices. Similar strategies of argumentation can be found in Wittgenstein’s On Certainty and Derrida’s The Gift of Death. Both philosophers furthermore see deconstruction not only as a project which frees us from metaphysical illusions but also a project which is guided by ultimate or absolute ethical values. Their underlying ethical attitudes and values, however, seem to be different. Derrida wants to give room to the various “darker” and “lighter” shades of the complex and paradox play of “Being”. Wittgenstein wants to overcome “darkness” and achieve a “bright” and harmonious ethical existence. The different ethical attitudes of Derrida and Wittgenstein are in the background influencing the process of deconstruction and therefore the further question is raised how this affects the validity of Wittgenstein’s and Derrida’s philosophical results.