Overview

Understanding Poststructuralism presents a lucid guide to some of the most exciting and controversial ideas in contemporary thought. This is the first introduction to poststructuralism through its major theorists - Derrida, Deleuze, Foucault, Lyotard, Kristeva - and their central texts. Each chapter takes the reader through a key text, providing detailed summaries of the main points of each and a critical and detailed analysis of their central arguments. Ideas are clearly explained in terms of their value to both critical thinking and to contemporary issues. Criticisms of poststructuralism are also assessed. The aim throughout is to illuminate the main methods of poststructuralism - deconstruction, libidinal economics, genealogy and transcendental empiricism - in context. A balanced and up-to-date assessment of poststructuralism, the book presents the ideal introduction to this most revolutionary of philosophies.

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9781844650323

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Reviews

"""Williams has produced one of the most thoughtful and lucid accounts of poststructuralism available in English. Understanding Poststructuralism is both an indispensable introduction to one of the most influential philosophical movements of recent decades, and a significant critical and intellectual achievement in its own right."" - French Studies ""An imaginative and bold account of one of the most influential intellectual movements of the late twentieth century. It seeks to rebut widespread misconceptions and respond to legitimate objections to poststructuralist positions, all in remarkably jargon-free prose. It will be a valuable resource for students throughout the humanities and social sciences."" - Paul Patton, University of New South Wales ""With this book, Williams establishes himself as one of the foremost English-language interpreters of French thought. It not only provides accessible analyses of key figures but also presents a judicious evaluation of the poststructuralist movement as a whole."" - Daniel W. Smith, Purdue University"

An imaginative and bold account of one of the most influential intellectual movements of the late twentieth century. Paul Patton, University of New South Wales Williams establishes himself as one of the foremost English-language interpreters of French thought and presents a judicious evaluation of the poststructuralist movement as a whole. Daniel W. Smith, Purdue University

Author Information

James Williams is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dundee.

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