The Phenomenal Woman

Feminist Metaphysics and the Patterns of Identity

By: Christine Battersby

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Paperback | 5 January 1998 | Edition Number 1

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Paperback
256 Pages

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22.9 x 15.4 x 1.4

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This important book enters the controversial territory of metaphysics. The author reworks the account of the self in modernity and postmodernity as she asks, "what would happen if we rethought identity in ways that take the female as norm?" Using analyses of Kant, Adorno, Irigary, Butler, Kierkegaard and Deleuze, the author argues against those who see feminist metaphysics as unacceptably "essentialist" or as a contradiction in terms. The influence of Lacan and Derrida on current feminist theory is registered. However, instead of deconstructing metaphysics or psychoanalysing the philosophers, the author moves on to reconstruct such notions as "essence" and "self". This opens up new possibilities for feminism as an "identity politics" that can also acknowledge racial, cultural and power differences amongst women. The Phenomenal Woman explores a metaphysics in which identity is birthed from patterns of relationship, movement and power. New ways of thinking about embodiment, sameness and difference, self and "other", patriarchy and power emerge in ways that will interest a broad range of readers who engage with feminist theory, cultural studies and social theory. Stylistically accessible, this book definitively marks out a place for a metaphysics of fluidity in the current debates concerning philosophy, postmodernism and feminism.

Industry Reviews

"The Phenomenal Woman is a startlingly original work of philosophy. In her construction of a new metaphysics, which takes the woman as norm in definitions of self, personhood and identity, Christine Battersby contests the conceptualization of the Kantian subject. Taking the risk of (re)constructive philosophy, she offers a challenge to postmodernist feminisms and their reliance on what she describes as the 'despairing epistemology' of deconstructive postmodernism. Firmly grounded in the history of philosophy, Christine Battersby's book offers a new impetus and direction to feminists working in philosophy." Professor Margaret Whitford, University of London

"In this philosophically rich text Christine Battersby moves issues of metaphysics and ontology to the centre stage of feminist concern, correcting a preoccupation with epistemology which has been dominant in feminist philosophy during the last decade. Whether we agree or disagree, this challenging book will now form the point from which future discussions of female subjects must depart." Dr Kathleen Lennon, University of Hull

"Combining rigorous analysis with accessibility, Christine Battersby has set a new standard for discussion in feminist philosophy. This is a truly remarkable achievement." Joanna Hodge, Manchester Metropolitan University

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