Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 10:22:37 +0800
From: Paul Bains <P.Bains-AT-murdoch.edu.au>
Subject: Re: Is Guattari criticizing Derrida in Molecular Revolution?


At 03:21 PM 1/28/99 -0800, you wrote:

>When I re-read the passage several days ago, it
>seemed clear that the signifying archi-writing which
>Guattari is criticizing is that of Derrida.  When
>Guattari says "but not Derrida's archi-ecriture"
>he is distinguishing JD's writing from his historical,
>concrete notion.

In Chaosmosis G. refers to Derrida and archi-writing a couple of times at
least. P. 4, 50. He claims that Derrida and Kristeva have shed 'some light'
on the relative autonomy of a-signifying dimensions, but it is a reserved
acknowledgement. See p.50. for the example of the pentatonic musical refrain
and the multiple universes constellating around Debussy.

'There is no bi-univocal correspondence btwn ....or achi-writing,... and
this multidimensional machinic catalysis.'

The question of 'criticism' of Derrida by Guattari and whether Michael or
Michelle is right seems too starkly drawn. There is both acknowledgment of
Derrida and reservation. I haven't referred to MR cos i don't have a copy
but it wouldn't change anything. In any case it is clear that G. would be
reserved about Derrrida's ultramodernism; more generally he was apoplectic
about textualism.