I'm no great fan of the phallus, and have made my own views known on this subject before, so I do not propose a return to a notion of the phallus as the third term in any and all relations of desire.
In "Undoing Gender," Judith Butler expresses her critical stance towards the traditional concept of the phallus as a central element in understanding desire and relationships. She acknowledges her previous criticisms regarding this notion and emphasizes her desire to move beyond it. Butler is not advocating for a revival of the phallus as an essential aspect of identity or desire.
Instead, she seeks to explore alternative ways of understanding connections between gender, identity, and desire that do not rely on the phallus. This approach reflects her commitment to challenging established norms and broadening the conversation around gender and sexuality, promoting a more nuanced perspective on these complex issues.
