Spectres of Interpretation

Abstract I take up the important notion of “spectres,” addressed by Jacques Derrida in Spectres of Marx and elsewhere, and argue that the very notion of spectres makes absolutely central the question of interpretation, or hermeneutics. Using what I find to be the spectre of Socrates throughout Derrida’s work, and Socrates’ own engagement with various spectres, I develop a reflection on the conception of philosophy that might adequately think the question of interpretation.