Transgressions That Matter: What trans* philosophy is and how it informs the discipline

Abstract

Trans* philosophy, given its recent emergence, is in the process of establishing itself within the discipline. This thesis argues that trans* philosophy is an illuminatory project that confers intelligibility onto trans* lives by engaging with trans* phenomena. As such, it meaningfully contributes to philosophy. Providing illuminations through positive argumentation critically undermines normative ways of conducting philosophy to strengthen theory production; conferring intelligibility redresses epistemic oppression; engaging with trans* phenomena challenges the boundaries of what is ordinarily considered philosophy, resulting in more honest and relevant theory. These three separate but interconnected tenets are impelled by trans* narratives.