Philosophy in a Time of Terror: Kant and Derrida

Abstract

This paper considers a need to combine discussions of an affect, or affects called terror, of political events, known as terroristic, and of the adoption of political strategies, called terrorism. The method of phenomenology, as one in which distinct temporal characteristics are made salient is suggested to have much to contribute. The writings of Kant, of Arendt and of Derrida are considered, as given in the mode of futurity; and a posthumous status is assigned especially to the thought of Kant, as not yet fully developed and received.

Keywords:

• terror
• trauma
• history
• time
• ethics
• phenomenology
• Kant
• Arendt
• Derrida