Quiz 2

Which philosopher is best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity? A) Gilles Deleuze B) Ludwig Wittgenstein C) G.W.F. Hegel D) Jean-Paul Sartre

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claude-3-5-haiku-20241022

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze, a prominent French philosopher of the 20th century, is indeed best known for developing the philosophical concept of 'difference-in-itself' (différence-en-soi). This was a key element of his philosophical critique of traditional metaphysics and representation.

In Deleuze's philosophical framework, 'difference-in-itself' represents a radical reimagining of difference that moves beyond traditional philosophical understandings. Instead of seeing difference as merely a comparison between pre-existing identities, Deleuze argued that difference is primary and generative - it exists before and creates identities, rather than being a secondary result of comparison.

This concept was most extensively explored in his 1968 work "Difference and Repetition", where he challenged traditional philosophical approaches that prioritized identity and representation. Deleuze sought to create a philosophy that understood difference as a positive, productive force in its own right, not just as a negation or variation of something else.

The other philosophers mentioned in the options have different philosophical focuses: - Wittgenstein: Language and logic - Hegel: Dialectics and historical progression - Sartre: Existentialism and human freedom

Deleuze's concept of 'difference-in-itself' remains a significant contribution to contemporary continental philosophy.

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze (1925-1995) is indeed best known for developing the concept of "difference-in-itself" (différence en soi) in his philosophical works, particularly in his 1968 book "Difference and Repetition."

Here's a detailed explanation:

  1. Deleuze's Concept: - He challenged the traditional philosophical prioritization of identity over difference - He argued that difference should be thought of on its own terms, not as a comparison between identities - "Difference-in-itself" refers to difference as a primary, positive force rather than a negative comparison

  2. Contrast with Traditional Philosophy: - Traditional philosophy typically understood difference as derivative of identity - Deleuze reversed this relationship, making difference primary and identity secondary - He saw identity as a product of difference rather than difference being a product of identity

  3. Why Not Other Philosophers: - Hegel (C) focused on dialectics and the relationship between identity and difference, but maintained identity's primacy - Wittgenstein (B) focused on language games and family resemblances - Sartre (D) focused on existence preceding essence and human freedom

Deleuze's concept of "difference-in-itself" represents a significant break from traditional metaphysics and remains one of his most influential contributions to philosophy.

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' (différence en elle-même) in contrast to identity is:

A) Gilles Deleuze

Deleuze explored this concept most thoroughly in his 1968 work "Difference and Repetition," where he attempted to think about difference not as something derived from or secondary to identity, but as a primary ontological principle. He challenged the traditional philosophical prioritization of identity over difference, arguing instead for understanding difference as fundamental and not merely as distinction between pre-established identities.

This concept was central to Deleuze's philosophical project and represents a significant break from both Hegelian dialectics (which ultimately subordinates difference to identity through synthesis) and traditional representational thought.

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze is best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' (différence en soi), particularly in his seminal 1968 work "Difference and Repetition" (Différence et Répétition).

In this groundbreaking philosophical work, Deleuze challenged the traditional Western philosophical tendency to subordinate difference to identity. Instead of viewing difference as merely the negation or deviation from identity (as in much of traditional metaphysics), Deleuze argued that difference should be understood as primary, positive, and productive in its own right.

His concept of 'difference-in-itself' represents difference that is not defined in relation to identity or sameness, but rather as an autonomous, generative force. This was a radical departure from: - Hegel's dialectical approach, where difference is ultimately reconciled through synthesis - Traditional Platonic thought, where difference is seen as deviation from ideal forms

Deleuze's philosophy has been highly influential in contemporary continental philosophy, critical theory, and post-structuralist thought.

claude-opus-4-20250514

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The answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Deleuze is best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in his groundbreaking work "Difference and Repetition" (1968). In this work, he fundamentally challenged the Western philosophical tradition that had long subordinated difference to identity.

Deleuze argued that traditional philosophy typically understands difference only in relation to identity - as what distinguishes one thing from another. Instead, he proposed thinking of difference as primary and productive in its own right, not merely as a negative relation between identities. His concept of 'difference-in-itself' suggests that difference is not dependent on pre-existing identities but is instead the force that generates multiplicities and becomings.

This was a radical departure from: - Hegel's dialectical approach where difference is ultimately reconciled in synthesis - Wittgenstein's focus on language and meaning - Sartre's existentialist concerns with freedom and consciousness

Deleuze's philosophy of difference has been highly influential in contemporary continental philosophy, critical theory, and various other fields.

claude-sonnet-4-20250514

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze is best known for developing the concept of "difference-in-itself" (différence en soi) in his seminal work "Difference and Repetition" (1968). This concept was central to his philosophical project of overturning what he saw as the Western philosophical tradition's subordination of difference to identity.

Deleuze argued that traditional philosophy had always treated difference as secondary to identity - that is, things were different from something else that was considered primary or identical to itself. Instead, he proposed understanding difference as fundamental and primary, existing "in-itself" rather than being dependent on identity for its meaning.

Key aspects of Deleuze's "difference-in-itself":

  • Primacy of difference: Difference doesn't need identity as a reference point
  • Critique of representation: He rejected the idea that difference must be represented through identity
  • Positive difference: Rather than being a lack or negation of identity, difference is productive and creative
  • Immanent difference: Difference exists within things themselves, not just between them

This concept became foundational to Deleuze's broader philosophical system and influenced poststructuralist thought significantly. While philosophers like Hegel also dealt with difference and identity, Deleuze's specific formulation of "difference-in-itself" as a critique of identity-based thinking is his distinctive contribution to philosophy.

claude-sonnet-4-5

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Deleuze is renowned for developing the concept of "difference-in-itself" (or différence en soi in French) in his seminal 1968 work Difference and Repetition. This is one of his most important philosophical contributions.

Key Points about Deleuze's Concept:

  • Difference as Primary: Deleuze argued that traditional Western philosophy had subordinated difference to identity - treating difference as merely what distinguishes one identical thing from another.

  • Critique of Representation: He challenged the idea that difference is always understood through comparison or negation (what something is not). Instead, he proposed that difference should be understood in its own right, without reference to identity.

  • Ontological Shift: For Deleuze, difference-in-itself is a fundamental ontological concept - difference exists prior to and independent of identity, rather than being derived from it.

This concept contrasts sharply with philosophers like Hegel (who dealt with difference through dialectical negation) and set Deleuze apart as a major figure in post-structuralist and continental philosophy.

Would you like me to elaborate on how this concept relates to Deleuze's broader philosophical project?

deepseek-chat

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of "difference-in-itself" (différence en soi) in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Deleuze, particularly in works like Difference and Repetition (1968), critiques traditional metaphysics' emphasis on identity, representation, and sameness. Instead, he argues for a philosophy where difference is primary—not derived from or subordinate to identity. For Deleuze, difference is a positive, generative force rather than a negation or deviation from a fixed standard.

Why not the others?

  • B) Wittgenstein: Focused on language, logic, and meaning, not metaphysical difference.
  • C) Hegel: Dialectics sublates difference into higher identity/synthesis (thesis-antithesis-synthesis).
  • D) Sartre: Concerned with existential freedom and consciousness, not ontological difference.

Deleuze's "difference-in-itself" rejects Hegelian dialectics and champions a non-hierarchical, rhizomatic view of reality. Would you like elaboration on his influences (e.g., Nietzsche, Bergson) or key texts?

deepseek-reasoner

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of "difference-in-itself" (in contrast to identity) is A) Gilles Deleuze. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Gilles Deleuze (1925–1995), a French philosopher, centered his work on challenging traditional Western metaphysics' emphasis on "identity." In his seminal texts like Difference and Repetition (1968), he argues that difference is primary and irreducible, not derived from pre-existing identities or categories. He coined "difference-in-itself" (différence en soi) to describe difference as a positive, generative force rather than a negation of sameness.

Why not the others?

  • B) Ludwig Wittgenstein: Focused on language, logic, and meaning (e.g., Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus). His work doesn't engage deeply with "difference-in-itself" as a metaphysical concept.
  • C) G.W.F. Hegel: Emphasized dialectics (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) where difference is reconciled into higher unity. Deleuze explicitly critiqued Hegel for subordinating difference to identity.
  • D) Jean-Paul Sartre: An existentialist concerned with freedom, consciousness, and being (e.g., Being and Nothingness). His ideas don't align with Deleuze's ontology of difference.

Deleuze's concept remains influential in postmodern philosophy, critical theory, and cultural studies. If you'd like deeper analysis or references, just ask! 😊

gemini-1.5-pro

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' is A) Gilles Deleuze.

While other philosophers you mentioned touch on difference, Deleuze makes it a central and unique concept in his philosophy. He argues against philosophies of identity that see difference as secondary or derived. Instead, for Deleuze, difference is primary and constitutive of being. He sees reality as a dynamic and ever-changing process of becoming, driven by difference itself, which he terms 'difference-in-itself.' This concept suggests that difference is not merely a relation between two pre-existing identities but a productive force that generates identities.

Here's a brief look at why the other options aren't the best fit:

  • B) Ludwig Wittgenstein: While Wittgenstein discusses difference extensively, particularly concerning language and meaning, his focus is on how language represents differences, not on difference as a metaphysical principle. He's more concerned with the logical structure of language and its use.
  • C) G.W.F. Hegel: Hegel's philosophy is centered on the dialectic, a process where concepts clash and synthesize, leading to a higher unity. Difference is crucial to this process, but it's ultimately subsumed into a higher synthesis, not a foundational principle in itself.
  • D) Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre emphasizes individual freedom and existence preceding essence. He discusses difference in the context of interpersonal relationships and social structures, but not as a fundamental metaphysical concept like Deleuze.

Therefore, while the concept of difference appears in the work of several philosophers, Gilles Deleuze is the most appropriate answer due to his unique conceptualization of ‘difference-in-itself.’

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Here's why:

  • Gilles Deleuze: Deleuze's entire philosophical project can be seen as an attempt to think difference outside of the framework of identity. He argues that difference is not simply the negation or limitation of identity, but a positive and productive force in its own right. His book Difference and Repetition is a key text in this regard.

Let me know if you'd like to explore more about Deleuze's concept of difference or the other philosophers listed!

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Deleuze, along with Félix Guattari, explored this concept extensively, particularly in their work Difference and Repetition. They argued that difference is not merely a contrast to identity but is fundamental and prior to it. Identity, in their view, is a constructed effect of difference, rather than the other way around.

Here's why the other options are less accurate:

  • B) Ludwig Wittgenstein: Wittgenstein focused on language, logic, and the relationship between language and the world. While he touched upon concepts of meaning and difference, he is not primarily known for developing the specific concept of 'difference-in-itself' in the way Deleuze did.
  • C) G.W.F. Hegel: Hegel's dialectical method emphasizes the interplay of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, which involves a process of differentiation. However, Hegel's focus was on the movement towards a synthesis and a unified whole, which is different from Deleuze's emphasis on the primacy and inherent nature of difference.
  • D) Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre is known for his existentialist philosophy, including concepts like freedom, responsibility, and the importance of individual consciousness. While he dealt with notions of subjectivity and otherness, his focus isn't on the specific formulation of 'difference-in-itself' that characterizes Deleuze's work.

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze, particularly in his seminal work Difference and Repetition, critically engages with traditional metaphysics that prioritize identity and representation. He famously argues for a "difference-in-itself" (or "pure difference") that is prior to and independent of identity, rather than being merely a negation or variation of something identical. He sought to develop a philosophy where difference is primary and productive, contrasting sharply with philosophical traditions that view difference as secondary or derivative of identity.

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That's an excellent philosophical question! The philosopher best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Deleuze, particularly in his seminal work Difference and Repetition (1968), sought to liberate difference from its traditional subordination to identity. He argued that Western philosophy has historically understood difference only in relation to a pre-existing identity (e.g., something is different from something else, or different than a standard). Deleuze, however, proposed a concept of difference that is primary, positive, and creative in its own right, not merely a negation or comparison.

While the other philosophers listed made profound contributions: * Ludwig Wittgenstein focused on language, logic, and the philosophy of mind. * G.W.F. Hegel worked with dialectics where difference (negation, antithesis) plays a crucial role, but it's often in service of a higher synthesis or unity (identity). * Jean-Paul Sartre was a key figure in existentialism, exploring concepts like freedom, consciousness, and being.

It is Gilles Deleuze who is most directly and famously associated with theorizing 'difference-in-itself'.

Hope this helps clarify! Let me know if you have any more questions.

gpt-4.1

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The correct answer is: A) Gilles Deleuze

Gilles Deleuze is best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity. In his major works, particularly Difference and Repetition (1968), Deleuze critiques traditional philosophy for privileging identity over difference and argues for a conception of difference that is not derived from or subordinate to identity.

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity is:

A) Gilles Deleuze

Deleuze emphasized difference as something positive and primary, rather than something defined in relation to identity, which contrasts with traditional philosophical approaches.

gpt-4.1-nano

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity is Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze's work often explores the notions of difference and repetition, emphasizing the importance of difference as a fundamental aspect of reality that is not reducible to identity or sameness.

So, the correct answer is:

A) Gilles Deleuze.

If you'd like, I can provide more details about his philosophy or the concepts involved!

gpt-4o

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze explored this concept extensively in his works, emphasizing the importance of difference as primary, rather than merely being an opposition or relation between identical entities. His work in this area is particularly prominent in his book "Difference and Repetition."

gpt-4o-mini

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of ‘difference-in-itself’ in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze's work, particularly in his book "Difference and Repetition," explores how difference can exist independently and is fundamental to understanding being, as opposed to a mere negation of identity. This concept is central to his philosophy and emphasizes the importance of difference in various contexts, including metaphysics, art, and politics.

gpt-5

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A) Gilles Deleuze

He develops the notion of “difference-in-itself” most prominently in his book Difference and Repetition, contrasting it with identity-based metaphysics.

gpt-5-mini

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Správná odpověď: A) Gilles Deleuze.

Krátce: pojem „difference-in-itself“ (rozdíl sám o sobě) je klíčový u Gillesa Deleuzeho, zejména v díle Difference and Repetition (1968). Hegel naopak zdůrazňoval dialektiku a identitu/negaci, Sartre se zaměřoval na bytí-pro-sebe a existenci, Wittgenstein se zabýval hlavně jazykem a jeho hranicemi.

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Odpověď: A) Gilles Deleuze.

Důvod: Deleuze zásadně rozvíjí pojem „difference in itself“ (rozdíl sám o sobě), který je konfrontován s představou identity. Tento pojem je klíčový v jeho dílech, zejména v Difference and Repetition, a slouží jako alternativní rámec k tradičnímu významu identity a opakování v dialektice.

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze explored this concept extensively in his work, particularly in "Difference and Repetition," where he argues that difference is primary and not derivative of identity.

If you're interested in visualizing concepts or philosophers, remember there's an option called "image generation" in the input form that you can turn on!

grok-2-vision-1212

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Hello! The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze explored this concept extensively in his works, particularly in "Difference and Repetition," where he argued for the primacy of difference over identity in philosophical thought.

If you're interested in visualizing this concept or any related ideas, remember there's an option called "image generation" in the input form that you can turn on to generate an image!

grok-3

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I'm happy to help with this question! The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Explanation:

Gilles Deleuze, a 20th-century French philosopher, introduced the idea of 'difference-in-itself' in his seminal work Difference and Repetition (1968). Deleuze argued that traditional philosophy often prioritized identity—defining things by what they are or how they conform to a fixed essence—over difference. He proposed that difference is not merely a secondary concept derived from identity (i.e., something being different from something else), but rather a fundamental principle in its own right. For Deleuze, difference is creative and generative, driving change and becoming, rather than being subordinated to sameness or identity.

Why not the others?

  • B) Ludwig Wittgenstein: Wittgenstein focused on language, meaning, and the philosophy of mind, particularly in works like Philosophical Investigations. His work does not directly address the concept of difference-in-itself.
  • C) G.W.F. Hegel: Hegel’s philosophy is deeply rooted in dialectics, where difference and identity are intertwined in a process of synthesis. However, his system emphasizes the resolution of differences into a higher unity, rather than celebrating difference as primary, as Deleuze does.
  • D) Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre, an existentialist, focused on themes of freedom, consciousness, and the self. While he explored concepts of negation and otherness (notably in Being and Nothingness), his work does not center on difference-in-itself as a standalone concept.

If you have further questions about Deleuze or any of the other philosophers, feel free to ask! I'm here to help. 😊

grok-3-mini

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Hello! That's a great question about philosophy—it's always fascinating to dive into these concepts. Let me break this down for you.

The philosopher best known for developing the concept of 'difference-in-itself' in contrast to identity is A) Gilles Deleuze. Deleuze explored this idea extensively in his work, particularly in his book Difference and Repetition (published in 1968). In it, he argues that difference isn't just a variation of identity (like how things differ from a common standard), but rather something fundamental and primary in itself. This flips traditional philosophical approaches, which often prioritize identity as the starting point and treat difference as secondary.

For context, Deleuze's philosophy draws from thinkers like Spinoza and Nietzsche, and he emphasizes how difference drives change, creativity, and becoming in the world. This concept has influenced fields like postmodernism, cultural studies, and even art and literature.

If you're interested in learning more, I'd recommend starting with Difference and Repetition or his collaborations with Félix Guattari, like A Thousand Plateaus. Feel free to ask if you have follow-up questions—I'm here to help! 😊

grok-4-latest

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Based on the concept you described—"difference-in-itself" (or différence en soi in French), which emphasizes difference as a fundamental, positive force not subordinated to notions of identity or sameness—the philosopher best known for developing it is:

A) Gilles Deleuze

Quick Explanation

Deleuze explored this idea most prominently in his 1968 book Difference and Repetition (Différence et Répétition), where he critiques traditional philosophy's focus on identity (e.g., in Plato or Hegel) and argues for a philosophy of difference as an ontological principle in its own right. It's a key part of his broader work on multiplicity, becoming, and anti-representational thought, often drawing from influences like Nietzsche and Bergson.

The other options don't align as directly: - B) Ludwig Wittgenstein: Focused on language, logic, and meaning (e.g., in Philosophical Investigations), but not on ontological difference. - C) G.W.F. Hegel: His dialectical philosophy involves negation and synthesis, which Deleuze actually critiques as reducing difference to a form of identity. - D) Jean-Paul Sartre: Known for existentialism and concepts like "being-in-itself" vs. "being-for-itself," but not "difference-in-itself."

If you'd like more details on Deleuze's ideas, recommendations for reading, or clarification on any related concepts, just let me know—I'm happy to dive deeper! 😊

o1

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The philosopher most famously associated with the concept of “difference-in-itself”—as contrasted with identity—is Gilles Deleuze (Option A).

Deleuze’s notion of “difference-in-itself” arises primarily in his book “Difference and Repetition” (published in French in 1968). There, Deleuze challenges traditional metaphysical assumptions that prioritize identity as a fundamental organizing principle, arguing instead that difference should be understood on its own terms, not simply as a deviation from an underlying identity. Essentially, rather than seeing “difference” as a secondary concept that depends on “identity” (i.e., we first establish what a thing is and then mark how something else differs from it), Deleuze places difference at the center of philosophical thought.

This approach is important to various fields—philosophy, literature, and cultural studies—because it encourages us to question binaries and static forms of thinking. Deleuze’s work has deeply influenced post-structuralist and contemporary continental philosophers, as well as those studying critical theory.

o3

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A) Gilles Deleuze

o3-mini

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The correct answer is A) Gilles Deleuze.

Gilles Deleuze developed a unique philosophical approach that emphasizes the concept of "difference-in-itself," contrasting it with traditional notions of identity. In his works, Deleuze sought to rethink the idea of difference—arguing that difference should be seen as productive and generative, rather than merely deriving from pre-existing identities or oppositions. His ideas challenge conventional dialectical thinking and have been influential in various fields such as philosophy, literature, and cultural studies.

If you have any further questions or need additional details about Deleuze's philosophy or his work, feel free to ask!

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The philosopher best known for developing the concept of “difference-in-itself” (as opposed to subordinating difference to identity) is A) Gilles Deleuze.

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