The theory of differentiation in philosophical reflections of Gilbert Simondon and Gilles Deleuze

The purpose of the study is to identify the qualitative characteristics and originality of the consideration of the theory of differentiation by the French philosophers Gilles Deleuze (1925-1995) and Gilbert Simondon (1924-1989). The article claims that G. Deleuze wrote numerous works on philosophers whose ideas had a great influence on his own, with one unfair exception: he did not write a single monograph on his brilliant contemporary G. Simondone. Simondon is mentioned only a few times in Deleuze's articles, but his influence is felt everywhere, from ideas concerning the Deleuze virtual to the concept of individuation. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for a long time J. Simondon's works were known either as philosophical studies limited to the problem of technology, or as an inspiring source for the philosophy of difference developed by J. Deleuze. But since in the first quarter of the 21st century Simondon's works found their recognition and began to be considered the original philosophy of modernity, this allows us to do some critical philosophical work. As a result, it is proved that Simondon's theory of differentiation not only arose as a result of understanding the Aristotelian hylomorphic scheme, but also long before any such theory developed by his followers (including Deleuze), which is of great importance for modern philosophy of communication and information.