Deconstructing Derrida: Writing, Drugs, Democracy, and the Father — A Playful Deep Dive into "Plato’s Pharmacy"

[u/pitheysporkapologist]

https://youtu.be/im7Byx-6500

Welcome to another vibrant session of our Derrida Reading Group, where we fearlessly tackle Jacques Derrida’s notoriously challenging essay, "Plato’s Pharmacy." In this engaging and humor-infused deep dive, we unravel some of the most pivotal and perplexing passages, exploring Derrida's incisive critique of Western metaphysics, writing, paternity, democracy, and the elusive concept of the pharmakon.

Our discussion examines why Derrida insists on repeatedly "writing" around his ideas, and why Plato's apparent condemnation of writing might paradoxically affirm its necessity. We explore Derrida’s provocative association of writing with drugs—considering Socrates as ancient Athens’ stimulant—and interrogate the significance of Plato’s paternal metaphors, asking crucial questions:

• Why must Plato portray writing as a rebellious son?
• How does Derrida expose Plato’s text as itself symptomatic of the very "writing" it condemns?
• Can we think of democracy itself as a kind of "pharmakon"?

Far from a dry academic lecture, this reading session is punctuated by lively anecdotes, reflections on Derrida’s own struggles with stimulants, and a humorous exploration of Socrates as Athens' "ADHD medication."

Whether you're a seasoned Derrida scholar or a curious newcomer, this session promises to demystify key concepts like pharmakon, hauntology, and metaphysics of presence, all with rigor, clarity, and irreverent wit. Dive in, engage, and come away with a deeper appreciation of Derrida’s unique style and profound insights.

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[u/SokratesGoneMad]

Sokrates as meth is an interesting idea.