Deconstruction is a philosophical approach that aims to uncover and challenge the underlying assumptions and contradictions within texts or systems of thought. It was developed by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida in the 1960s and has since been applied to a wide range of disciplines, including literature, linguistics, architecture, and cultural studies. Deconstruction seeks to reveal the inherent complexities and tensions within a given text or idea, often emphasizing the ways in which meanings are unstable and contingent. By questioning and destabilizing established interpretations and hierarchies, deconstruction aims to open up new possibilities for understanding and engaging with the world.