Why do people fight for their own servitude as if it were their own deliverance? This is a question that has been at the heart of philosophy for a long time under the heading of voluntary servitude, ideology, or more recently, domination. The aim of this seminar is to explore how gender theories have proved capable of addressing such a problem in a way that has challenged some of the most established tenets of the Western philosophical canon. We will proceed through a close analysis of key texts of La Boetie, Spinoza, Freud, Adorno, De Beauvoir, Irigaray, Lacan, Marxist feminism, anarchafeminism, Kristeva, Preciado, as well as queer and black feminism, among others. We will then apply these readings to concrete examples of lived experience brought about by media analysis and by clinical psychoanalysis, with the aim to discover the roots of domination and what exit may be possible (if any).
Through engagement with classical philosophical texts, on the one hand, and clinical and media material, on the other, we will ask what philosophy and psychoanalysis can tell us about the specific predicament of gendered bodies and domination in today’s world. Bringing together a philosopher with a practicing psychoanalyst, this class aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
For all those who want to follow along, below is a reading list. It will be updated in the course of the semester with further posts and more material coming out of class discussion. In particular, we will be posting student responses to the readings.
WEEK 1
2 February (Tues).
Introduction and rationale: see Chiara Bottici: Who is afraid of freedom?
4 February (Thurs). Dilemmas of voluntary servitude?
- La Boetie, E. de. “The discourse of voluntary servitude.” In The politics of obedience (1552), Mises, Institute, pp. 39-70
- Chanter, T. “Introduction” +“Formative Moments.” In Gender: Key Concepts in Philosophy (New York: Continuum, 2007), Ch. 1, pp. 1-31
Movie: Belle de jour, by Luis Bunuel
See Jamieson Webster “Dilemmas of Voluntary Servitude“
See Dora Suarez “Solidarity, Hierarchy, and the Critique of the Public/Private Distinction in Feminist Discourse”
See Moises Ramirez “I Dreamed We Were Free”
WEEK 2
9 February (Tues). Domination: one or many? From anarchafeminism to the politics of being queer
- Bottici, C. Bodies in plural: towards an anarchafeminist-manifesto (manuscript; also available online: https://publicseminar.org/2015/12/bodies-in-plural-toward-an-anarchafeminist-manifesto/)
- Goodman, P. “The politics of being queer.” In Anarchism. A Documentary History of Libertarian Ideas, ed. R Graham (Montreal: Black Rose, 1969), pp. 487-491 (originally published in The Second Wave, Spring 1975)
- Ehrlich, C. “Anarchism, feminism and situationism.” In Anarchism. A Documentary History of Libertarian Ideas, ed. R Graham (Montreal: Black Rose, 1977), pp. 492-499
See Laura Anderson Barbata work on Julia Pastrana
See Orlando Hawkins “Who Is A Nigger?”
See Marianna Poyares “Domination: One or Many?”
11 February (Thurs). Creating compliant subjects: rituals, ceremonies and the pleasure of obedience
- Spinoza, B. Theological-Political Treatise (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007).
- Chapter V (pp. 68-80): On the reason why ceremonies were instituted, and on the belief in the historical narratives, i.e. for what reason and for whom such belief is necessary. [in particular §§7, 8, 8, 10, 11]
- Chapter XVI (pp. 195-207): On the foundations of the state, on the natural and civil right of each person, and on the authority of the sovereign powers [in particular §§2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10]
- Chapter XVII (pp. 208-230): Where it is shown that no one can transfer all things to the sovereign power, and that it is not necessary to do so; on the character of the Hebrew state in the time of Moses, and in the perdition after his death before the appointment of the kings; on his excellence, and on the reasons why this divine state could perish, and why it could scarcely exist without sedition [in particular §§1, 2, 4, 25]
- Oksala, J. “The neoliberal subject of feminism.” Journal of the British Society of Phenomenology (2011), pp.104-118
See: History of depilation by Elle: http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8155/history-of-hair-removal/?slide=11
Here’s a YouTube video of Scott asking Kourtney Kardashian to shave her vagina even when pregnant (note that pubic hair has “trends”) https://youtu.be/jYBZFoKGNc0
See Elena Petrovska’s Public Seminar Post, “Does a Successful Woman Need to Have a Pre-pubescent Vagina?”
See Aaron Neber’s Public Seminar Post, “Creating Compliant Subjects.”
WEEK 3
16 February (Tues). Dialectic(s) of Enlightenment. I: liberation or domination?
- Horkheimer, M. and Adorno, T.W. “The concept of enlightenment.” In Dialectic of Enlightenment (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2002), pp. 1-34
- Amy Allen, 2016, The end of progress: decolonizing the normative foundations of critical theory, Columbia UP (Chap. 1, pp. 1-35; “Adorno, Foucault and the postcolonial”, pp. 198-203)
See Wayne Wapeemukwa’s Public Seminar Post, “Which Enlightenment for Which Primitives?”
See Dora Suarez’s Public Seminar Post, “The Earthquake, the Compass, and the Use of Genealogy.”
18 February (Thurs). Enlightenment and morality II: Kant, Sade, and Juliette
- Horkheimer, M. and Adorno, T.W. “Juliette, or Enlightenment and morality.” In Dialectic of Enlightenment (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2002), pp. 63-94
Please see Jamieson Webster’s Public Seminar post, “A Short Lecture on Adorno’s ‘Juliette, Or Enlightenment and Morality.'”
See: Jihad and girl power:
WEEK 4
23 February (Tues). Existential feminism I. Or “Women for Obama”
- De Beauvoir, S. The Second Sex. (New York: Vintage, 2011), pp. 3-48
- How to become a woman: menstruation “a normal process leading up to being a mother”
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W14YssL_Cs
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLhld_PI2zg
25 February (Thurs). Existential feminism II. The myth(s) of femininity
- De Beauvoir, S. The Second Sex. (New York: Vintage, 2011), pp. 159-213
Please see Amir Sadeghi’s Public Seminar post, “Are Female Characters Impossible?”
Please see James Wheeler’s Public Sminar post, “Psychoanalysis’ Reductio Ad Sex, Beauvior’s Better Critique.”
WEEK 5 (NOTE: amended schedule for this week)
29 February (MONDAY), 8-10PM (room to be announced). Affects in Politics and Psychoanalysis
Guest Speakers Vladimir Safetle (Sao Paolo) and Marcus Coelen (Berlin)
1 March (Tues). The woman of psychoanalysis: “She doesn’t have a penis”
- Freud, S. “Femininity.” In New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis. (New York: Norton and Company, 1965), pp. 139-168
3 March (Thurs). Irigaray I: “The little girl is (only) a little boy”
- Irigaray, L. “Woman, science’s unknown,” “The little girl is (only) a little boy,” and “Is her end in her beginning?” In Speculum of the Other Woman. (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1985), pp. 13-45
WEEK 6
8 March (Tues). Irigaray II: “Whose castration?”
- Irigaray, L. “Another cause – castration,” “Penis-envy,” and “A painful way to become a woman.” In Speculum of the Other Woman. (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1985), pp. 13-34
- Irigaray, L. “This sex which is not one.” In This Sex Which Is Not One. (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1985), pp. 46-65
See Wayne Wapeemukwa’s Public Seminar Post, “Donald Trump’s Reductio Ad Penis.”
See: Cliteracy Art Project
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/cliteracy_n_3823983.html
https://publicseminar.org/2013/10/whats-left-after-penis-envy/#.VpQnhFJqNDs
10 March (Thurs). The hysterical woman: Dora I
- Freud, S. Dora: An Analysis of a Case of Hysteria, with an Introduction of Philip Rieff, (New York: Touchstone, 1997), Part I: The Clinical Picture, Part II: The First Dream, pp.1-85
WEEK 7 (NOTE: amended schedule for this week)
14 March (MONDAY), 8-10PM (room to be announced). “The feminine position and the concept of ‘not-all’ (pas-toute)”
Guest Speaker Guilherme Massara Rocha (Psychoanalyst and UFMG Professor, Brazil)
15 March (Tues). The hysterical woman: Dora II
With participation of guest professor Guilherme Massara Rocha
- Freud, S. Fragment of and Analysis of a Case of Hysteria (New York: Penguin Edition, 1905), Part III: The Second Dream, Part IV: Postscript, + Hysterical phantasies and their relation to bisexuality, pp. 85-120
17 March (Thurs). Masochism and beating fantasies.
- Freud, S. “A child is being beaten.” In Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works (London: Hogarth Press, 1919), Vol. 17, pp. 179-204
- Leader, D. “Beating fantasies and sexuality.” In Freud’s Footnotes (Faber: London, 2000), pp 153-189.
Please see Amir Sadeghi’s Public Seminar Post, “‘A Child is Being Beaten,’ But Where is the Mother?”
WEEK 8: 22-24 March, SPRING BREAK – no classes
WEEK 9
29 March (Tues). Pornography’s temptation
Guest Speaker Drucilla Cornell
- (Background reading) Cornell D. “Pornography”. In The Imaginary Domain (New York: Routledge, 1995), pp. 95-163
See Dora Suarez’s Public Seminar Post, “Pornography in the Political Domain: A Citizen is Being Beaten.”
31 March (Thurs).Medusa’s head: from lack to laughing.
- Freud, S. “Medusa’s head.” In The Medusa Reader, ed. Marjorie Garber and Nancy J Vickers; trans. James Strachey (New York: Routledge, 2003), pp. 33-34
- Cixous, H. “The laugh of Medusa.” Signs (1976), Vol. 1, pp. 875-893
WEEK 10
5 April (Tues). “Psychoanalysis needs a sex change”
Guest Speaker Patricia Gherovici, PhD and Psychoanalyst
- (Background reading) Gherovici, P. “Hysteria and transsexualism.” In Please Select Your Gender (New York: Routledge, 2010), pp. 185-213
7 April (Thurs). Lacan and feminine sexuality
- Rose, J. “Introduction II.” In Feminine Sexuality: Jacques Lacan and the Ecole Freudienne (New York: Norton, 1982), pp. 27-59
WEEK 11
12 April (Tues) The mirror stage: Colonialism and exhibitionism. With Guest Speaker Wayne Wapeemukwa.
- Lacan, J. “The mirror stage as formative of the I function, as revealed in psychoanalytic experience.” In Ecrits (New York: Norton, 1949)
See Wayne Wapeemukwa’s Public Seminar Post, “Resistance and Resurgence of the Métis: The red that dies the maple leaf.”
14 April (Thurs). Lacan, the phallus, and fashion
- Lacan, J. “The signification of the phallus.” In Ecrits (New York: Norton, 1958)
- Slide presentation on fashion from Gherovici and Webster: “Dressing up the Death Drive”
WEEK 12
19 April (Tues). Kristeva, or the subject on trial (sujet en process)
- Kristeva, J. Revolution in Poetic Language. (New York: Columbia University Press, 1984), Part I, Ch. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10
- Oliver, K. “Kristeva’s revolutions.” In The Portable Kristeva. (New York: Columbia University Press, 2002), pp. xi-xxvii (especially recommended for those who have never read Kristeva)
21 April (Thurs). Kristeva II. “Is the mother still there?” Maternity and female sexuality between literature and music.
- Kristeva, J. “The maternal body” and “Stabat mater.” In The Portable Kristeva. (New York: Columbia University Press, 2002), pp. 303-333
- Also read the medieval hymn “Stabat mater” and listen to Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater
See Moises Ramirez’s Public Seminar Piece, “Kristeva on Maternal Self-Mourning.”
See Elena Petrovska’s Public Seminar Piece, “Does Nicki Minaj Portray the Image of a Phallic Mother?”
WEEK 13
26 April (Tues). Butler I. “Gender in drag”: is there still a “subject” of feminism?
- Butler, J. 2011. “Gender is Burning.” In Bodies that Matter on the Discursive Limits of “Sex.” (New York: Routledge), pp. 81-99
See film: Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston
28 April (Thurs). Butler II. Melancholic gender
- Butler, J. “Melancholy gender/refused identifications.” In The Psychic Life of Power (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1997), pp. 132-167; available at
See: musician Anthony and the Johnsons and TV Reality Series “Drag Race”
Please see Dora Suarez’s Public Seminar Post, “On Unity and Feminist Struggle: A Response to Judith Butler.”
Please See Tiago Lima’s Public Seminar Post, “Judith Butler and The Many Subjects of Feminist Theory.”
WEEK 14
3 May (Tues). Black feminism: mammies, matriarchs, and hoochies
- Hill Collins, P. “The social construction of black feminist thought.” In Black Feminist Thought. (New York: Routledge, 2000), pp. 1-19, 39-43
- Hill Collins, P. “Mammies, matriarchs and other controlling images.” In Black Feminist Thought. (New York: Routledge, 2000), pp. 69-96
Please see Kyle O’Dowd’s Public Seminar piece, “The Dangers of White Feminism.”
Please see Jordan Huston’s Public Seminar piece, “Lessons from Black Feminism on Textual Identity.”
Please see Taylor Mugavin’s Public Seminar Piece, “Beyoncé and the Sexual Objectification of Lemonade: The Most Neglected Person in America is the Black Woman.”
Please see Aaron Neber’s Public Seminar Piece, “Recognizing One’s Oppression: On Collins’ Emerging Process.”
Please see Moises Ramirez’s Public Seminar Piece, “Black Feminist Thought And The Pitfalls Of A Critical Mass.”
See Film: Princess and the frog (Disney)
5 May (Thurs). The biopolitical condition: sex, drugs and biopolitics
- Preciado, B. “Introduction,” “Your death,” and “ The pharmacopornographic era.” In Testo junkie. (New York: Feminist Press, 2013), pp. 11-54, 68-82.
See James Wheeler’s Public Seminar Post, “Records of Planetary Suicide”
WEEK 15
10 May (Tues). Feminism, capitalism and critique
- Fraser, N. “Against symbolicism” and “Feminism, capitalism and the cunning of history.” In Fortunes of feminism: from state-managed capitalism to neoliberal crisis.” (New York: Verso, 2013), pp. 139-159, 209-227
See James Wheeler’s Public Seminar Post, “On Nancy Fraser’s Two Dimensional Conception of Politics.”
See Amir Sadeghi’s Public Seminar Post, “Toward A Feminism Beyond The Additive Model.”
See Rebecca Solnit, “Men Explain Things to Me”: https://www.guernicamag.com/daily/rebecca-solnit-men-explain-things-to-me/
12 May (Thurs). Rape Jokes: Performance Artist Vanessa Place’s “If I Wanted Your Opinion, I’d Remove the Duct Tape”
- Panel Discussion on “The Ontology of Rape Jokes.” In Studies in Gender and Sexuality with Q. Lee, J. Dolven, J. Webster, and G. Salomon (Forthcoming, 2016)
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Your posts are so beautifully written and always leave me feeling inspired and empowered Thank you for using your talents to make a positive impact
Your posts are always so relatable and relevant to my life It’s like you know exactly what I need to hear at the right time
I appreciate how this blog promotes self-love and self-care It’s important to prioritize our well-being and your blog reminds me of that
As a new reader, I am blown away by the quality and depth of your content I am excited to explore your past posts and see what else you have to offer
Share with us in the comments your favorite blog posts of all time!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a source of positivity and light in this sometimes dark and overwhelming world
This blog is a great mix of informative and entertaining content It keeps me engaged and interested from start to finish
I have been struggling with this issue for a while and your post has provided me with much-needed guidance and clarity Thank you so much
Sell or simply admire? 2-Clicks provides comprehensive valuations for your collectible figurines. Get the real worth here!
This post hits close to home for me and I am grateful for your insight and understanding on this topic Keep doing what you do
Your writing has a way of making me feel like I’m having a conversation with a close friend It’s so genuine and relatable
Your blog is a great source of positivity and inspiration in a world filled with negativity Thank you for making a difference
I have recommended this blog to all of my friends and family It’s rare to find such quality content these days!
This blog is a great mix of informative and entertaining content It keeps me engaged and interested from start to finish
Your blog has become my go-to source for inspiration and motivation Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality content
Your writing is so refreshing and authentic It’s like having a conversation with a good friend Thank you for opening up and sharing your heart with us
Your writing has a way of making me feel like I’m having a conversation with a close friend It’s so genuine and relatable
Share your favorite blog post in the comments below!
It’s clear that you have a deep understanding of this topic and your insights and perspective are invaluable Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us
Your articles always make me think and reflect on my own life Thank you for prompting me to be introspective and make positive changes
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Thank you for always being open and honest with your readers It’s refreshing to see a blogger who is unafraid to be vulnerable and real
Main slot gacor di carijp, nikmati link resmi, bonus menarik, dan keamanan data terbaik.
Your writing is so genuine and heartfelt It’s refreshing to read a blog that is not trying to sell something or promote an agenda
If you are planning a trekking adventure in Nepal and wish to explore the breathtaking Langtang Valley, I highly recommend choosing Nature Trail Treks & Travel Company for an exceptional experience. Their expertise and personalized service ensure a memorable and safe journey through the Himalayas — visit us today! – https://www.naturetrail.com/blogs/langtang-valley-trek-nepal-7-day-moderate-himalayan-trek
Your writing style is so engaging and easy to read It makes it a pleasure to read your blog and I always look forward to your new posts
This is such an important reminder and one that I needed to hear today Thank you for always providing timely and relevant content
https://wonkachocolatebars.com/where-to-get-magic-mushroom-chocolate/
Let me know what type of content you’d like to see more of in the future!
This blog has opened my eyes to new ideas and perspectives that I may not have considered before Thank you for broadening my horizons
Planning a trek in Nepal? The Langtang Valley Trek offers stunning Himalayan scenery, rich culture, and an unforgettable experience. For a well-organized and hassle-free journey, I recommend Nature Trail Treks & Travel Company – https://www.naturetrail.com/blogs/langtang-valley-trek-nepal-7-day-moderate-himalayan-trek
Your blog is a constant source of wisdom and positivity Thank you for being a ray of light in a sometimes dark world
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Your ideas and insights are unique and thought-provoking I appreciate how you challenge your readers to see things from a different perspective
Your positivity and enthusiasm are infectious It’s clear that you are truly passionate about what you do and it’s inspiring to see
Your blog is like a breath of fresh air in a sea of negativity and pessimism Thank you for being a source of light and hope
Your blog is so much more than just a collection of posts It’s a community of like-minded individuals spreading optimism and kindness
Your blog has helped me become a more positive and mindful person I am grateful for the transformative effect your words have had on me
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a source of positivity and light in this sometimes dark and overwhelming world
Your blog has become my go-to source for inspiration and motivation I am so grateful for the valuable content you provide
I’ve learned so much from this blog and have implemented many of the tips and advice into my daily routine Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Your passion for what you do is evident in every post It’s inspiring to see someone truly fulfilling their purpose and making a positive impact
I love how this blog promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle It’s a great reminder to take care of our bodies and minds
Your blog post had me hooked from the first sentence.
Your posts always make me feel like I’m not alone in my struggles and insecurities Thank you for sharing your own experiences and making me feel understood
This is such an important reminder and one that I needed to hear today Thank you for always providing timely and relevant content
Your words have resonated with us and we can’t wait to read more of your amazing content. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with the world.
Your blog has helped me become a better version of myself Your words have inspired me to make positive changes in my life
Your passion for what you do is evident in every post It’s inspiring to see someone truly fulfilling their purpose and making a positive impact
Have any favorite blog posts or writers? Share them with us in the comments!
Your blog is always a highlight of my day
Planning a trek in kyrgyzstan? Wonderful Kyrgyzstan offers stunning scenery view, rich culture, and an unforgettable experience. For a well-organized and hassle-free journey, I recommend Brothers International Tours Company – https://brothersadventures.com/wonderful-kyrgyzstan-scenic-culture-tour
Your vulnerability and honesty in your posts is truly admirable Thank you for being so open and authentic with your readers
Your content always manages to captivate and educate me. Keep up the fantastic work!
I couldn’t stop scrolling and reading, your content is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into creating such amazing content.
I appreciate how well-researched and detailed your posts are It’s evident that you put a lot of time and effort into providing valuable information to your readers
Your blog post had me hooked from the very beginning!
Your positive energy and enthusiasm radiate through your writing It’s obvious that you are truly passionate about what you do
Your writing has a way of resonating with me and making me feel understood Thank you for being a relatable and authentic voice
This blog serves as a reminder to take care of our mental health and well-being Thank you for promoting a healthier and happier mindset
Your blog has become my go-to source for positive and uplifting content Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality posts
As a fellow blogger, I can appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating well-crafted posts You are doing an amazing job
Your latest blog post was truly inspiring and had some great insights. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store.
Your blog post had me hooked from the first sentence.
This blog post is worth the read – trust us!
This is such an important and often overlooked topic Thank you for bringing attention to it and offering valuable advice
Your content always keeps me coming back for more!
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites I am constantly impressed by the quality and depth of your content
I want to express my appreciation for the writer of this blog post. It’s clear they put a lot of effort and thought into their work, and it shows. From the informative content to the engaging writing style, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcısı Akın Gürlekin ETIMINE yönetim kurulu üyesi olarak atandığı ve bu görevden maaş aldığını ortaya çıktı
Your writing style is so engaging and easy to read It makes it a pleasure to read your blog and I always look forward to your new posts
I love how this blog covers a variety of topics, making it appeal to a diverse audience There is something for everyone here!
Your writing is so powerful and has the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives Keep using your voice to spread kindness and positivity
This post was exactly what I needed to read today Your words have provided me with much-needed clarity and reassurance
Your blog is a haven of positivity and encouragement It’s a reminder to always look on the bright side and choose happiness
As someone who struggles with mental health, I appreciate the support and empathy displayed in your blog It means a lot to know I’m not alone
Your blog has become my go-to source for inspiration and motivation Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality content
Need her? Need him? FastSyt helps you find both. http://www.fastsyt.com
Looking for a real relationship? Try FastSyt today. http://www.fastsyt.com
Are you single and ready? FastSyt is waiting. http://www.fastsyt.com
Chat, connect, and date easily — FastSyt app. http://www.fastsyt.com
Your writing has a way of resonating with me and making me feel understood Thank you for being a relatable and authentic voice
I appreciate your creativity and the effort you put into every post. Keep up the great work!
Your blog post had me hooked from the first sentence.
I love how you incorporate personal stories and experiences into your posts It makes your content relatable and authentic
Your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your personal experiences is truly admirable It takes courage to open up and I applaud you for it
Your positive energy and enthusiasm radiate through your writing It’s obvious that you are truly passionate about what you do
Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite blog post has been so far!
Give a round of applause in the comments to show your appreciation!
The photographs and visuals used in this blog are always stunning They really add a beautiful touch to the posts