University of Minnesota Press Judith Butler and Talia Mae Bettcher talk philosophy, personhood, resistance
Apr 23, 2025
Join Talia Mae Bettcher, a philosophy professor and author of "Beyond Personhood", in conversation with Judith Butler, a leading voice in feminist and gender studies. They delve into the complexities of trans identity, discussing the damaging political narratives surrounding trans rights and the need for an evolved understanding of personhood. Bettcher introduces groundbreaking ideas like interpersonal spatiality and critiques traditional identity constructs. Their dialogue highlights philosophy as a form of resistance and offers profound insights into navigating contemporary challenges faced by trans individuals.
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Book as Nonviolent Resistance
- Beyond Personhood is a nonviolent act of resistance against traditional philosophical violence.
- It critiques abusive assumptions underpinning concepts of personhood and selfhood.
Challenging Personhood Assumptions
- Traditional concepts of person and self rest on assumptions that can be abusive.
- Instead of privileging individual consciousness, Bettcher focuses on relational boundaries between beings.
Interpersonal Spatiality and Selves
- Selves are best understood as interpersonal objects appearing to others, not inwardly reflexive subjects.
- Appearances are primary and bound by social and moral boundaries to enable mutual recognition.