What Is Sexual Difference?: Thinking with Irigaray

Luce Irigaray's work explores the philosophical implications of sexual difference, particularly for issues of gender and race. This book brings together leading scholars to consider the consequences of Irigaray's thought, challenging the charge of essentialism and exploring how it opens new possibilities for understanding gender identities and race. It also provides creative practices that help realign human experience and our relations with nature and each other.

Format: Hardback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Luce Irigaray, a renowned philosopher, has asserted that "sexual difference is one of the major philosophical issues, if not the issue, of our age." Her extensive work encompasses metaphysics, phenomenology, and psychoanalysis, delving into the intricate ways in which sexual difference shapes being and subjectivity, organizes our perception of the world, and influences the images and discourses associated with knowledge production and practical action. Irigaray's profound exploration of the consequences of disregarding sexual difference sets her apart as a unique thinker in the philosophical realm.

However, in a time when notions of sexual and gender difference are fiercely debated, her ideas have often been dismissed as essentialist or reductively binary. This book aims to rectify this by bringing together esteemed scholars who critically examine the philosophical implications of Irigaray's writing on sexual difference, particularly in the context of gender and race. Through their essays, these scholars challenge the charge of essentialism, exploring how Irigaray's thought opens up new avenues for understanding the multifaceted nature of gender identities, encompassing nonbinary and trans experiences, as well as alternative configurations of masculinity and femininity.

While Irigaray has occasionally faced criticism for her alleged lack of recognition of racial difference, the contributors to this book demonstrate the fruitful ways in which her work contributes to the understanding of race. They highlight how Irigaray's insights offer valuable tools for reimagining human experience and reestablishing harmonious relationships with nature and one another.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of Luce Irigaray's thought on sexual difference. By challenging prevailing notions and presenting fresh perspectives, it contributes to our understanding of gender, race, and the broader philosophical landscape. Irigaray's profound insights continue to inspire and challenge us to reimagine the possibilities for human existence and our relationship with the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202725