Patterns of dissonance

Review "Braidotti's tour de force shows the immense theoretical impact of recent French and American feminist interventions in Western philosophy. . . . This important study will transform the ways in which both pre-feminist and feminist thinkers evaluate feminist theory, Western philosophy, and, especially, feminist philosophy." -- Sandra Harding, University of Delaware "Rosi Braidotti's Patterns of Dissonance engages poststructuralism and feminism at the site of their most provocative convergences. This is a deftly argued and wide-ranging work that makes brilliant comparative use of an uncommon erudition. An excellent introduction for those who want to know what is at stake in the unstable intersection of feminist and poststructuralist inquiry." -- Judith Butler, Johns Hopkins University. Product Description Patterns of Dissonance brilliantly analyzes the complexissues raised by the relation between women and philosophy. Rosi Braidotti first demonstrates that contemporary male French philosophers rely on a largely metaphorical notion of the "feminine" in their undermining of classical thought. Braidotti next examines the attempts of feminist thinkers in Europe and the U.S. to both subvert the universalizing claims of male theorists. Finally, she discusses the contributions of Luce Irigary, Mary Daly and Michele le Doeuff to the understanding of sexual difference. About the Author Rosi Braidotti is Professor of Women's Studies at the University of Utrecht.