differend

differend

‘a case of conflict, between (at least) two parties, that cannot be equitably resolved for lack of judgement applicable to both arguments’ (J. LYOTARD, The Differend – Phrases in Dispute, 1983). Lyotard's concept is intended to indicate important aspects of the relationship between language and knowledge. As a POSTMODERN theorist, Lyotard is particularly concerned to show that science is now merely one amongst many ways of understanding the world (see also PERFORMATIVITY). If this levelling of knowledge claims is accepted, a choice presents itself: either one searches for some means of theorizing ways to arbitrate between claims (compare HABERMAS), or else the attempt to find stable and applicable criteria is abandoned. The concept of the differend and, indeed, Lyotard's work in general proceeds in the latter direction. Differends are thus associated with the divergences and disagreements that follow when two (or more) different DISCOURSE(S) or LANGUAGE GAME(S) meet, alhough differends are not, strictly speaking, these discourses themselves. Rather, a differend can be thought to have at least two sides, giving rise to two (or more) discourses. It follows that in each game there are pertinent (but not necessary) ways to proceed and, further, that new games (and thus new differends) will emerge. Such formulations should not be seen as suggesting that Lyotard propounds a framework or theory of language games per se. This would run the risk of producing a GRAND NARRATIVE, or, at least, would suggest that there is some external point beyond language. Both of these consequences would create serious tensions in relation to other major aspects of Lyotard's work. In exploring the highly contingent and incidental nature of language and phrases, Lyotard's concept of the differend reminds sociologists that conflict may be unavoidable and that states of equilibrium or stability may not endure. See also PAGANISM, INCOMMENSURABILITY