The Philosophy of Julia Kristeva – Psychoanalysis, Language, and Subjectivity | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XXXVI, 2020 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Julia Kristeva, curated by Sara G. Beardsworth, is Volume XXXVI in the esteemed Library of Living Philosophers (LLP) series, released in 2020. This edition pays tribute to Julia Kristeva (b. 1941)—a Bulgarian-French philosopher, psychoanalyst, linguist, feminist theorist, and novelist—whose impactful ideas have profoundly influenced continental philosophy, semiotics, psychoanalysis, and literary critique.
Kristeva is primarily recognized for her groundbreaking concepts concerning subjectivity, the symbolic and semiotic orders, and the notion of the abject—ideas that link Freudian psychoanalysis, structural linguistics, and postmodern feminist discourse. This volume encompasses her philosophical autobiography, significant excerpts from her writings, analyses from prominent scholars, and her responses to their critiques, establishing it as an essential reference for grasping her intricate and powerful theories.

Who Is Julia Kristeva?

Julia Kristeva embarked on her intellectual voyage in linguistics and literary theory before delving into psychoanalysis and philosophy. As a pupil of Roland Barthes and a contemporary of influential figures like Michel Foucault, Jacques Lacan, and Jacques Derrida, she emerged as a pivotal voice in French poststructuralism and feminist theory.
At the core of Kristeva's scholarship is a thorough examination of how identity is constructed, the role of language in shaping thought and emotion, and the impact of culture on the unconscious. She uniquely integrates various disciplines, marking her significance in interdisciplinary studies within the humanities.

Overview of the Volume

The LLP framework comprises four central elements, each providing an in-depth exploration of Kristeva's philosophical impact:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

Kristeva recounts her intellectual journey, highlighting:

• Her formative education in Bulgaria and her relocation to France
• Her involvement with semiotic theory and literary critique
• Her education and practice in psychoanalysis
• The development of her theories on subjectivity, femininity, and the abject
• Her dedication to European humanism and the nurturing potential of psychoanalysis and literature

This autobiographical segment offers a glimpse into her personal inspirations, intellectual challenges, and her goal to infuse healing and significance into modern existence through thought and language.

2. Key Writings from Julia Kristeva

The volume features selections from Kristeva’s most pivotal texts, including:
The Semiotic and the Symbolic

• Kristeva differentiates the semiotic (pre-linguistic, bodily drives linked with the maternal) from the symbolic (structured language, governed by rules, associated with the paternal). Identity emerges from the interplay between these two spheres.

Feminine Identity and the Maternal

• Kristeva challenges both patriarchal language and reductive feminist essentialism, proposing a more fluid, dynamic model of identity. Her concept of “female genius” celebrates women’s intellectual, moral, and emotional creativity.

The Abject

• In Powers of Horror, she investigates abjection—the repudiation of elements that jeopardize the integrity of the self (e.g., bodily fluids, corpses). The abject occupies the threshold of identity, essential for comprehending horror, taboo, and self-conception.

Subjectivity and Psychoanalysis

• Kristeva revisits Freudian and Lacanian frameworks, elucidating how language, culture, and trauma shape the unconscious. Her “talking cure” seeks to reintegrate meaning and connection in an increasingly fragmented milieu.

Literature and Ethics

• Her research posits that literature serves as a therapeutic medium, providing emotional understanding and cultural restoration. She regards writers like Dostoevsky, Proust, Arendt, and Colette as mentors for engaging with deeper ethical questions.

3. Critical Essays by Contemporary Scholars

This segment showcases essays penned by scholars and theorists from various disciplines—such as philosophy, literature, feminist theory, theology, and psychoanalysis. These writings engage critically with Kristeva's work on:

• Feminine identity and maternal functions
• Language, negativity, and otherness
• Psychoanalytic theory within a postmodern context
• Cultural responses to trauma and aggression
• The influence of European philosophy on global ethics

Contributors of note include Kelly Oliver, Elaine Miller, Noëlle McAfee, and Ellen Armour, among others.

4. Kristeva’s Replies to Her Critics

Kristeva's responses are marked by intellectual rigor, openness, and a commitment to cross-disciplinary conversation. She:

• Defends her non-essentialist perspective on femininity
• Reiterates the significance of psychoanalysis in addressing social trauma
• Clarifies her dedication to a humanist and pluralistic ethical framework
• Reaffirms the therapeutic potential of language, narrative, and beauty in human growth

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Julia Kristeva is essential for grasping:

• The connections between language, identity, and emotion
• Feminist and psychoanalytic perspectives on subjectivity and ethics
• The healing and humanizing capabilities of literature and culture
• The importance of psychoanalysis in an interconnected, media-driven landscape
• Current discussions surrounding identity, trauma, gender, and significance

This collection is particularly beneficial for scholars and students in philosophy, gender studies, psychoanalysis, comparative literature, and theology, as well as for readers seeking philosophy that addresses human vulnerability and resilience.