ABSTRACT
Jacques Derrida, born in 1930 – like Camus, in Algeria – has had an enormous influence within the contemporary university, sometimes over philosophers but most decisively within literature departments. Extremely good-looking and media-savvy, he has become a ‘star’ even outside the university. His influence has not, however, been universally welcomed. In 1992 the proposal to offer him an honorary degree at Cambridge University (normally an entirely proforma affair) was vigorously and publicly opposed by a sizeable number of members of the University. By the end of this chapter it will be obvious how I think the members of the University should have voted.
