Abstract

Is there a similarity between contemporary deconstruction and negative theology? To answer this question the philosophy of Pseudo-Dionysius is presented as an example of classical negative theology. These comments are confronted with a contemporary deconstruction-philosophy. Notions of the philosophy of Derrida are elucidated. Because Derrida has explicitly discussed his relationship to negative theology. This confrontation yields two results. Firstly, the incomprehensibility is a topic again. We find this in our tradition of mystical negative theology and also in deconstruction. Secondly, deconstruction can be interpreted as a radicalization of exteriority. It requests an open attitude toward what is other and alien. In that attitude an ethical, perhaps even prophetical mood can be discerned