Overview

Judith Butler’s book ‘What World is This?’ is a collection of essays that explore the relationship between language, power, and subjectivity. Published in 2006, the book has had a significant impact on contemporary philosophy and feminist theory.

Background

Judith Butler is a philosopher and gender theorist who is best known for her work on gender performativity. She is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and has written numerous books and articles on topics such as feminism, queer theory, and political philosophy.

‘What World is This?’ was published in 2006 and is a collection of essays that were written over a period of several years. The essays explore a range of topics, including the relationship between language and power, the construction of subjectivity, and the role of the body in political resistance.

Themes

One of the key themes of ‘What World is This?’ is the relationship between language and power. Butler argues that language is not simply a tool for communication, but is also a means of exerting power and control over others. She explores how language is used to construct and reinforce social norms and hierarchies, and how it can be used to resist and subvert these norms.

Another theme of the book is the construction of subjectivity. Butler argues that our sense of self is not fixed or predetermined, but is constantly being constructed and reconstructed through our interactions with others and our environment. She explores how gender, race, and other social categories shape our sense of self, and how we can challenge and transform these categories.

The role of the body in political resistance is also a key theme of the book. Butler argues that the body is not simply a passive object that is acted upon by external forces, but is also an active agent that can resist and challenge dominant power structures. She explores how bodily acts of resistance, such as protests and demonstrations, can challenge and transform social norms and hierarchies.

Impact

‘What World is This?’ has had a significant impact on contemporary philosophy and feminist theory. The book has been widely cited and discussed in academic circles, and has influenced a range of fields, including literary studies, cultural studies, and political theory.

One of the key contributions of the book is its exploration of the relationship between language and power. Butler’s analysis of how language is used to construct and reinforce social norms and hierarchies has been particularly influential in feminist and queer theory.

The book’s exploration of the construction of subjectivity has also had a significant impact on contemporary philosophy. Butler’s argument that our sense of self is constantly being constructed and reconstructed has challenged traditional notions of the self as a fixed and stable entity.

Finally, the book’s emphasis on the role of the body in political resistance has been influential in political theory and activism. Butler’s analysis of how bodily acts of resistance can challenge and transform social norms and hierarchies has inspired a range of social movements, from the Occupy movement to Black Lives Matter.

Conclusion

Judith Butler’s book ‘What World is This?’ is a groundbreaking work that has had a significant impact on contemporary philosophy and feminist theory. The book’s exploration of the relationship between language, power, and subjectivity has challenged traditional notions of these concepts and has inspired a range of social movements and political activism.

Overall, ‘What World is This?’ is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary philosophy, feminist theory, or political activism.