He opines the persistence in west European philosophical tradition of what he labels is logocentric metaphysics of presence. He originates a trend-breaking theory of deconstruction. Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) is the most prominent figure in contemporary philosophical and literary debate.

Documentary research as well as textual analysis has been adopted as the principal methodology of this research paper. It also aims to show the modification of the ancient Theban myth according to the socioeconomic and political scenario of Sophocles' age. It ventures to portray that the backdrop of the play is essentially based on the then prevailing conditions. This research paper aims to put the play in the 5th century BC perspective. The character of King Oedipus and his power may be studied in the context of the polis of Athens. Within the play, one may also read the ancient Greek manifestation and conceptualization of the oikos (οἶκος) and polis (πολις). Religion and society have a deep impact on the literary works of any age. The playwright must have been sufficiently influenced by his immediate surroundings and the pressing issues of his age. Oedipus Tyrannos shows a heavy presence of rites and rituals prevalent during those times. Multiple elements in Oedipus Tyrannos including the shrine at Delphi, the deadly plague, the position of a leading citizen as the ruler etc. Sophocles wrote the play in 5th century Athens with a probable reflection of the then socio-political scenario. Oedipus Tyrannos is one of the most celebrated and controversial plays of all times. Such a political rationalism, embodied by Theseus, constitutes a middle way between a blind piety which rejects reason and an excessively hopeful political rationalism which underestimates the power of religion. Sophocles advocates a sober and cautious political rationalism that recognizes the dangers of religious passion to political life, but also the permanence of religious passion within political life. The play seeks to demonstrate that religious antirationalism-as exemplified by Oedipus-is self-contradictory and self-destructive, but also that it is rooted in such enduring human traits as our awareness of our mortality, our hope for immortality, and our angry refusal to accept our mortality. Given the tendency of modern political rationalism to underestimate the power of religion, it seems reasonable to consider the classical analysis of religious antirationalism set forth with great clarity in Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus.

Political conflicts around the world increasingly reflect a religious challenge to liberal rationalism.

Oedipus rex