Transdisciplinary Problematics: Anti-Humanism and Gender Studies

This two-day workshop will examine the notion of a transdisciplinary problematic, via the cases of anti-humanism and gender studies. The first day will approach theoretical anti-humanism from the standpoint of its destructive effect upon disciplinary fields in the humanities and as a radical problematisation of the discipline of philosophy in particular. The second day will focus on gender studies as a transdisciplinary problematic and on the transdisciplinary nature of the concept of gender itself. Topics will include the historical reconstruction of ‘gender’ as a boundary-crossing concept; the relation of its conceptual content to its functioning as a general concept across disciplines; the transformation of the disciplines in the humanities by ‘gender’ and gender studies; and the current productivity of ‘gender’.

Day 1: Anti-humanism

• Introduction: Peter Osborne & Eric Alliez (CRMEP, Kingston University)
• Etienne Balibar (Philosophy, University of Paris X/Irvine)
• Respondent: Patrice Maniglier (University of Essex)           
• Nina Power (Philosophy, Roehampton University/Royal College of Art)
• David Cunningham (English, University of Westminster)
• Respondent: Simon Morgan Wortham (English, Kingston University)

Day 2: Gender Studies

• Introduction: Stella Sandford (CRMEP, Kingston University)
• Tuija Pulkkinen (Women’s Studies, University of Helsinki)
• Sara Heinamaa (Philosophy, University of Helsinki)
• Elsa Dorlin (Politcal Science, University of Paris VIII)
• Ken Corbett (Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, New York University)
• Respondent: Lynne Segal (Psychosocial Studies, Birkbeck, London)

The event is free, but registration is essential @: http://workshopthree.eventbrite.com/

Further information and background texts, go to: http://fass.kingston.ac.uk/activities/item.php?updatenum=1962