Description
Book SynopsisThis book appraises the relationship between contemporary feminism and Julia Kristeva, a major figure in Continental thought. It addresses the conflicting range of feminist responses to Kristeva''s key ideas and Kristeva''s equally conflicting as well as ambiguous position vis-à-vis feminism.
Schippers argues that this complex relationship can only be understood by positioning Kristeva along the fissures and fault lines which run through feminism. By attending to feminism''s internal debates and disputes, and addressing the philosophical commitments and attachments held by Kristeva''s critics, the book clarifies the diverse Kristeva reception within feminism and illuminates how her ideas trouble contemporary feminist thought.
And despite Kristeva''s fundamental ambiguity towards all matters feminist, Schippers makes a case for Kristeva''s important contribution to a feminist project which is sympathetic towards her account of fluid subjectivity and her critique of identity politics. In doing so, the author advances the scholarly understanding of Kristeva and of contemporary feminist thought.
Trade ReviewSchippers provides a very readable and balanced account of the complex relations between Kristeva's thought and contemporary feminism. While making some telling criticisms of Kristeva, Schippers reads her recent philosophy of freedom and revolt - against the grain - as a feminist philosophy and succeeds in making Kristeva's ideas productive for feminist political thinking. -- Alison Stone, Reader in European Philosophy, Lancaster University Schippers provides a very readable and balanced account of the complex relations between Kristeva's thought and contemporary feminism. While making some telling criticisms of Kristeva, Schippers reads her recent philosophy of freedom and revolt - against the grain - as a feminist philosophy and succeeds in making Kristeva's ideas productive for feminist political thinking.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Kristeva and Feminism: A Critical Encounter; 2. Crisis, Revolt, Intimacy; 3. Corporeal Ethics: Between Violence and Forgiveness; 4. The Singularity of Genius; 5. Towards a Philosophy of Freedom?; Bibliography; Index.
