The Construction of Sexual Difference - Gender as a Philosophical Problem

Back Cover Text (From the Promotional Bulletin)

The main moments of this philosophical investigation on sexuality are Simone de Beauvoir, Hegel, Plato, Georges Bataille, Julia Kristeva, Elizabeth Grosz, Luce Irigaray, Jean-Luc Nancy and Paul Ricoeur.

There are many themes: gender, gender difference, desire, erotic experience, erotic relationship, eros ethics, oppression, violence, sovereignty, subjectivity and autonomy. Through these themes, the book relates the issues of feminist thought to the history of philosophy, investigates how feminist thinkers relate to this history, and aims to show what kind of philosophical discussions lie beneath the concepts of feminism. The question that every philosophical effort aiming at the liberation of women (and all oppressed people) comes to is: How can we become autonomous subjects, how can we struggle?

“Resistance is not just about confronting a power with another stronger power. Nor is it a heroism that exposes the body as the target of disproportionate violence. Resistance means establishing social ties and relationships; It is the process of fragile subjects strengthening together and building a society. In this respect, resistance should not be a form of existence that legitimizes sacrifice or self-sacrifice, but should be a form of becoming, a defense of life, a struggle for survival. Resilience is the power to establish a new life where some opportunities are closed; survival, rational discussion, solidarity, friendship and the patience of time.”

Prepared for Publication by Semih Sökmen