Michel Foucault, analyst of the norm
The norm is the idea central to the thought of Michel Foucault. It is the point from which he studies modern society. He distinguishes the norm from other forms of power.
Course code: PHEN16
Professor: Emmanuel BoissieuTable of content
- The Normal and the Pathological
- The abnormal
- The madman as abnormal
- The delinquent as abnormal
- The Pervert
- A problemisation of normality
Michel Foucault, analyst of the norm
A French philosopher
Michel Foucault (1926-1984) was a French philosopher, social theorist, and historian of ideas. He is best known for his critical studies of power, knowledge, and institutions in modern society. Foucault's work spans across multiple disciplines including philosophy, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and history.
One of Foucault's major contributions to the field of philosophy was his critique of traditional humanist conceptions of the self and his exploration of how power operates in social and cultural contexts. He argued that power is not just a repressive force exercised by those in positions of authority, but is also productive and generative, shaping the very identities, knowledge, and practices of individuals and social groups.
Foucault's influential works include "Madness and Civilization" (1961), "The Birth of the Clinic" (1963), "The Order of Things" (1966), "Discipline and Punish" (1975), and "The History of Sexuality" (1976-1984). His ideas have had a significant impact on various fields of study, including philosophy, sociology, political theory, cultural studies, and feminist theory.
Historian of ideas
In addition to his philosophical work, Foucault was also a historian of ideas, and his studies of the history of madness, medicine, and sexuality were groundbreaking and influential. He argued that knowledge is not a neutral representation of reality but is shaped by power relations in society.
Overall, Foucault's work challenged many of the fundamental assumptions of Western philosophy and had a significant impact on numerous fields, including philosophy, sociology, political theory, cultural studies, and feminist theory.