Meaning: The quote "Why is it the philosopher who is expected to be easier and not some scientist who is even more inaccessible?" by Jacques Derrida, a prominent French philosopher, reflects the often-misunderstood nature of philosophy and the expectations placed on philosophers. Derrida was known for his deconstructive approach to philosophy, which aimed to uncover the underlying assumptions and contradictions within language and texts. In this quote, he questions the common perception that philosophers should be more accessible or easier to understand compared to scientists.

One way to interpret Derrida's quote is to consider the traditional role of philosophers in society. Philosophers are often seen as individuals who engage in abstract and complex thinking, grappling with fundamental questions about existence, morality, and knowledge. As a result, there is a widespread assumption that their ideas should be communicated in a way that is accessible to the general public. This expectation may stem from the belief that philosophical insights have practical applications and relevance to everyday life.

On the other hand, scientists are often perceived as dealing with technical and specialized knowledge that may be more difficult for the average person to grasp. Their work involves complex theories, mathematical formulas, and experimental data, which can be challenging for non-experts to comprehend. Despite this, there is less pressure for scientists to make their ideas easily digestible for a broad audience.

Derrida's questioning of this expectation sheds light on the unique challenges that both philosophers and scientists face in communicating their work. While philosophers are expected to make their ideas more accessible, they also encounter resistance and skepticism from those who view their inquiries as esoteric or detached from practical concerns. In contrast, scientists may not face the same pressure to simplify their work for public consumption, but they can struggle to convey the significance of their research to a broader audience.

Derrida's own philosophical approach, characterized by its intricate and often convoluted style, may have contributed to his skepticism about the expectation for philosophers to be more accessible. His deconstructive method involved closely analyzing the underlying assumptions and contradictions within texts, challenging the traditional notions of truth and meaning. As a result, his writings were often dense and challenging for readers to navigate, reinforcing the idea that philosophy is not necessarily "easier" than scientific discourse.

It is important to recognize that Derrida's critique extends beyond the realm of philosophy and science. It speaks to broader societal attitudes towards knowledge and expertise. The expectation for philosophers to be more accessible reflects a desire for their insights to have practical relevance and impact. Similarly, the perceived inaccessibility of scientific discourse may stem from a lack of understanding or appreciation for the complexities of scientific inquiry.

In conclusion, Jacques Derrida's quote challenges the assumption that philosophers should be more accessible than scientists. It highlights the unique challenges faced by both philosophers and scientists in communicating their work to a broader audience. By questioning these expectations, Derrida prompts us to consider the nature of knowledge and expertise in a society that values practicality and accessibility.