UNDERSTANDING POSTSTRUCTURALISM

“Understanding Poststructuralism” is a lucid guide to some of the most exciting and controversial ideas in contemporary thought. Structured around the key works of the movement’s most important theorists, viz., Foucault, Derrida, Kristeva, Lyotard and Deleuze, each chapter examines a central text, providing detailed summaries of the main points and a critical analysis of the core arguments.

Difficult ideas are clearly explained both in terms of their value to critical thinking and to contemporary issues. Poststructuralism’s challenging methodology – deconstruction, libidinal economics, genealogy and transcendental empiricism – is illuminated by being examined in context. Although a sympathetic interpreter of poststructuralism, Williams is not dismissive of the criticism of analytic philosophers and he is able to provide a much needed balanced assessment of this philosophy.

The book offers an ideal introduction for students encountering poststructuralist ideas in philosophy, social and political theory, cultural studies, gender studies and in literary and art criticism.

James Williams is Reader in Philosophy at the University of Dundee.