zoom_in Click to enlarge

Felix Guattari

▲ ▼

description Felix Guattari Overview

Felix Guattari was a French philosopher and psychoanalyst who fundamentally reshaped post-structuralist thought through his collaborative work with philosopher Gilles Deleuze. Working as a therapist at the experimental La Borde clinic, he co-authored "Anti-Oedipus" in 1972 and "A Thousand Plateaus" in 1980, introducing the concept of schizoanalysis. This framework rejected traditional Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalytic models in favor of a more fluid understanding of desire and social machinery. His independent writings also introduced the concept of ecosophy, influencing fields ranging from political theory to environmental humanities.

help Felix Guattari FAQ

Who did Felix Guattari co-write "Anti-Oedipus" with?

Felix Guattari co-authored "Anti-Oedipus," published in 1972, with the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze. Together, they developed the concept of schizoanalysis, a radical critique of traditional psychoanalysis.

What is Felix Guattari's connection to psychoanalysis?

Guattari was a practicing psychoanalyst who trained under the famous psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan in the 1950s. He later worked at the experimental La Borde clinic in France, developing new methods of institutional psychotherapy.

What is the concept of the "rhizome" introduced by Guattari and Deleuze?

Introduced in their sequel "A Thousand Plateaus" (1980), the rhizome is a philosophical concept describing a non-hierarchical, horizontal network. It contrasts with traditional, tree-like "arborescent" models of knowledge and culture.

Did Felix Guattari work in politics?

Yes, Guattari was deeply involved in political activism throughout his life. He participated in various leftist and environmental movements, later co-authoring the book "A New Paradigm for the Most Left" to outline his political vision.