Understanding Poststructuralism

Book Details:

• Author: James Williams

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9788131604809

• Pages: 192

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

Understanding Poststructuralism is a lucid and accessible guide to some of the most stimulating and controversial ideas in modern critical theory. Centered around the foundational works of prominent poststructuralist thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Julia Kristeva, Jean-François Lyotard, and Gilles Deleuze, this book offers a structured exploration of their philosophical contributions.

Each chapter focuses on a key text, delivering:

• Concise summaries of main arguments

• Critical evaluations of theoretical approaches

• Clarification of complex ideas within real-world and academic contexts

Williams explains methodologies like deconstruction, genealogy, libidinal economics, and transcendental empiricism, making them relevant for contemporary philosophical and cultural issues. While the book offers a sympathetic view of poststructuralist thought, it also acknowledges critiques from analytic traditions, ensuring a balanced perspective.

This volume is ideal for students and researchers across:

• Philosophy

• Political and social theory

• Literary and art criticism

• Gender and cultural studies

Contents

• Introduction: What is poststructuralism?

• Jacques Derrida’s Of Grammatology: Poststructuralism as deconstruction

• Gilles Deleuze’s Difference and Repetition: Philosophy of difference

• Lyotard’s Discours, Figure: Philosophy of the event

• Michel Foucault’s The Archaeology of Knowledge: History and genealogy

• Julia Kristeva’s Revolution in Poetic Language: Psychoanalysis and linguistics

• Poststructuralism into the future

About the Author

James Williams is Reader in Philosophy at the University of Dundee. His work engages deeply with continental philosophy and offers critical insights into poststructuralist thought.