Setting Limits in Philosopher's Index

Derrida

In the Abstract:

Selecting Search Terms

"There is nothing outside the text."

Jacques Derrida

Because Philospher's Index contains no full text, it creates a searchable citation for each article using as many key words from the text as possible.

In addition to the terms used in the article title, Philosopher's Index adds its own "Descriptors" -- standardized subject headings -- as well as an "Abstract" or one-paragraph summary of the content written by the author.

Title, Descriptor, and Abstract fields

Notice in this record how the Descriptors enlarge the vocabulary of the title, while the Abstract adds terms of secondary importance and well-known Nietzschean phrases like "blond beast" and "death of God."

Keep in mind that this extra subject vocabulary can tell you only so much about the content of a lengthy article. If you aren't finding exactly what you want, try using broader or related search terms. These may lead you to an article that in the full text discusses your specific interest.

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