Posted by Peter H on September 18, 2007 at 11:52:36 from 86.130.133.44 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: existentialism and luggage posted by andyb on September 18, 2007 at 09:24:45:
Cmdr* Walker's presence on the Goblin may in part be defined by the absence of his luggage
Surely not, even 'in part'. I don't see how a man can be defined by not being his luggage. As I understand Derrida, the 'opposite' to Cdr Walker's presence aboard Goblin would be his absence aboard the vessel which would otherwise have brought him home. On that ship, there would be a 'not Cdr Walker' aboard, which in a sense defines the Cdr Walker aboard Goblin. I cannot see that the posited 'luggage' has any significance or validity here.
[*I think Andy has made him a Commodore, which he certainly was not. Maybe not being a Commodore defines a Commander? I leave that question open.]