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Comparing Michel Foucault and Jean-Francois Lyotard, 2007.
This paper compares the philosophies of Michel Foucault and Jean-Francois Lyotard through two of their works.
2,832 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper compares Michel Foucault and Jean-Francois Lyotard, both early postmodern philosophers, through the use of two of their works, as well as other sources. These works are Foucault's "The Body of the Condemned" and Lyotard's "The Postmodern Condition". In addition to these works, other information about Foucault and Lyotard is used to indicate the similarities and differences between these two works, their philosophies and their beliefs. While the two works are analyzed, the overall philosophies of Foucault and Lyotard are also addressed.
Outline:
Michel Foucault
Jean-Francois Lyotard
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Foucault fits into the general philosophical tradition, but it is the critical tradition, similar to Kant, and most of what Foucault writes about and proclaims is a very critical history where human nature and thought is concerned (Foucault, n.d.). This does not mean that the history of ideas that he discusses is also an analysis of the errors that might be seen when issues are examined after the fact. Instead, it should be taken to mean that Foucault's work is an analysis based on the relationship between object and subject, and what conditions are seen to either form or modify those relationships (Foucault, n.d.)."
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Michel Foucault's "Panopticism", 2005.
This paper discusses the origin of Michel Foucault's concept of the panopticon.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Michel Foucault's concept of the panopticon derives from the French intellectual's background in philosophy with emphasis on psychology and the practices of medical institutions. The author points out that the concept is not simply a philosophical thought construct but has direct relevance to the structures and organization of political power in modern society. The paper focuses on Foucault's application of the principal of panopticism to the analysis of contemporary society and culture.
From the Paper
Michel Foucault's "Panopticism" and its Relevance to Contemporary Society Michel Foucault's concept of the "Panopticon" derives from an the French intellectual's background in philosophy with a particular emphasis upon psychology and the practices of medical institutions (Seidman, 178-179). This being said, it must be acknowledged that the concept is not simply a philosophical thought construct but, in fact, has direct relevance to the structures and organization of political power in modern society."
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Michel Foucault, 2002.
An analysis of the philosophy and writings of Michel Foucault.
981 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper gives a biography of the life and works of the French philosopher Michel Foucault. It shows through his writings, how Foucault was more than simply a philosopher, but was also a scholar and a thinker and how his definition of truth may be one of the most "truthful" and meaningful definitions we have today, especially when power is brought into the equation. The paper discusses how he believed that power and truth and untruth indeed go hand in hand and how Foucault's philosophy of thought had everything to do with his outlook, his teachings and his ultimate domination of the field of thought and philosophical thinking.
From the Paper
"Emotionally, it does not seem that philosophy has anything to do with discovering the ultimate truth, but without philosophy, how would one even know to wonder what truth is? Foucault's definition may be cynical, but it does indeed cause the reader to think, and do look for their own definition of the truth, and isn't that what philosophy is really all about? It encourages thought and discovery, just as Foucault's works inspire thought and discovery. We do not have to agree with the philosopher or his philosophy as long as we discover our own."
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Michel Foucault, 2005.
A discussion of Michel Foucault's views on gender, sexuality and power.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper first explains Foucault's general position that authorities and institutions should not be what determine the truth or reality for others. The paper then explains that it is from this perspective that Foucault considers the question of identity, subjectivity, sex and power in the world. The paper further explains Foucault's emphasis that authentic truth is that which is not established or forced on the individual and that he approaches and questions gender and sexually in the same light.
From the Paper
"In an interview conducted in 1982, Stephen Riggins asked Foucault about the role of the philosopher in society. Foucault answered that "It is absolutely true that when I write a book I refuse to take a prophetic stance, that is, the one of saying to people: here is what you must do-and also: this is good and this is not". (Hendricks C.)"
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Michel Foucault, on Subjectivity, 2005.
An examination of Michel Foucault's theory of subjectivity.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Foucault's theory of subjectivity and how it is developed. The paper is based on work from Foucault's book, "Ethics: Subjectivity and Truth" and attempts to explain Foucault's claim that subjectivity is not given but is an effect of power, knowledge and other techniques.
From the Paper
"Subjectivity is the way in which an individual perceives the world and it differs from one human being to another. Unlike objectivity in which the object under consideration is considered based on observable facts that are perceived the same way by everyone, subjectivity is based on an individual's own experience of life and his own ideas. Subjectivity is based upon analysis of an individual's opinions which in turn are based on his past experiences and what he knows from what he has learned in the course of his..."
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Michel Foucault?s ?Discipline and Punish?, 2002.
This paper reviews a chapter, titled ?Illegalities and Delinquency?, from the book, ?Discipline and Punish?, by philosopher Michel Foucault, which examines the history of the modern penal system.
765 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that, in the chapter titled ?Illegalities and Delinquency?, Foucault focuses specifically on the concept of imprisonment. The author explains that Foucault calls the prison system a "carceral system", a method of discipline that extends beyond the physical prison itself into society. The paper states that Foucault points out that, despite the repeated failures, the fundamental principles of prison have remained the same for 150 years.
From the Paper
"Finally, the penal system indirectly contributes to delinquency by throwing the prisoner?s entire family into destitution. When the head of the family is thrown in prison, the mother is usually unable to earn enough to feed her children. This encourages abandonment. The whole family is reduced to ?vagabondage and begging? (229). Often the temptation to steal out of desperation or hunger becomes too great to resist."
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Social Theory of Michel Foucault, 1999.
Analyzes his concepts of power, knowledge, culture, ideology, science, crime & punishment, freedom and identity.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 114.95
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From the Paper
" This study will examine the contributions of Michel Foucault to social theory, focusing on the concepts of knowledge and culture and the theory and critique of ideology. Foucault's theory, in its simplest form, is twofold. First, the network of social power/knowledge which controls the life of the individual is so pervasive that it is, in fact, everywhere. Second, because there is nothing outside of the individual to which he can refer for definition of reality in this web of power, the individual must create himself, like a piece of unique art. The ideas of Foucault which will be discussed in this study will touch in one way or another on these basic principles of his social philosophy.
Foucault's aim in critiquing history, or society, or social relationships, or culture, or ideology, is to increase the."
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"The History Of Sexuality" ( Michel Foucault ), 1997.
Analyzes the author's feminist perspective on sexual liberation and repression, Freud and talking about sex vs. enjoying sex.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, AU$ 57.95
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From the Paper
"Michel Foucault, in The History of Sexuality, can definitely be considered a feminist, if one sees feminism as a search for truth about human nature, relationships, and the role and function of power in defining one's identity (including one's sexuality). Foucault argues that since the eighteenth century Western civilization has increasingly become obsessed with talking and thinking about sex as a subject, rather than partaking of "bodies and pleasures" (157). Feminism certainly posits that a woman to be authentically alive must overcome alienation from her body, whether that alienation is imposed upon her by an individual male or by "power" as it is exercised by the entire structure of society. This generalized sense of power is what Foucault posits as the controlling force behind the history of sexuality and the accompanying increase in public discourse ..."
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Michael Foucault and Abortion Law, 2008.
An analysis of abortion law through the lens of Michel Foucault's theories.
1,219 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how Michel Foucault's theories on power/knowledge might be used to scrutinize nations' abortion laws. The paper illustrates in detail how abortion law exemplifies power/knowledge/language relationships.
From the Paper
"French 20th century philosopher-cultural theorist Michel Foucault's theories focus on relationships of human power to knowledge and discourses, and on manifestations of these in real life based on various (and varied) power dynamics - between and/or among individuals; institutions; and other entities. In fact, Foucault considers "the question at the center of everything" to be "what is power?" ("Strategies of Power: Michel Foucault" 41). "
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Foucault and Normalization, 2008.
A discussion of Michel Foucault's concept of the process of normalization in social organization and regulation.
1,236 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the belief of Michel Foucault that social organization and regulation occurs most effectively through practices of normalization. It discusses the structures and strategies which facilitate social construction, regulation and especially the processes of normalization. The paper also provides examples from whiteness, heterosexuality and the culture of therapy in order to illustrate how normalization functions for the ends of social organization and regulation.
From the Paper
"Numerous mechanisms are at work in normalization through which social organization and regulation can be effected. The trend which can be observed repeatedly, however, that the most efficient and successful type of control is implemented when certain ideas and practices are subjected to normalization in the society. Governments regularly operate in this way, and psychiatry with its culture of therapy can produce ideas such as abnormality and then maintain an industry based on achieving normality. The construction of normality is associated with other constructions such as heterosexuality, whiteness, and sanity experts, and all of the constructions are linked with power. Being normal is synonymous with control and being linked to control, which creates a secure position when compared to the non-white, homosexual, neurotic or insane."
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Foucault and Freud, 2002.
Discusses Michel Foucault's "A History of Sexuality" and Sigmund Freud's "Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis".
1,369 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a summary of Michel's Foucault's "A History of Sexuality" in which he examines how dispersed forms of power, which are embedded in religious, scientific and social norms, create hegemonic ideas regarding proper discourses relating to pleasure and sexuality. The paper then looks at several lectures from Sigmund Freud's "Introductory Lectures on Psycho-analysis" in which he discusses how childhood traumas can keep a patient?s libido from its natural development, resulting in the perversion of sexual desires.
From the Paper
"In Lecture 18, Freud moved to discuss how neurosis can result from traumas that affect the unconscious. In traumatic neurosis, the problem stems from a traumatic situation in the patient's life. This leads to a patient's unconscious fixation, resulting in the obsessional behavior seen in neurotics. The task of the psychoanalyst is thus to help the patient delve into his or her unconscious, to remove the "amnesias" that block the patient from consciously dealing with the trauma that manifests in neurosis."
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Oppression in Works of Foucault, Fanon and Lacan, 2008.
An examination of the different ways that Michel Foucault, Frantz Fanon and Jacques Lacan address oppression in their works.
1,264 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the theory of oppression and analyzes how it is addressed in fundamentally distinct ways in the writings of Michel Foucault, Frantz Fanon and Jacques Lacan. The paper then explores, in turn, how each thinker develops his respective understanding of the concept. The paper focuses, in particular, upon points of convergence between psychological and political oppression.
From the Paper
"While it may be objected that this is "reading" too much into what was simply an act of rape, Fanon's text makes clear that French colonial power was by no means simple. In fact, the colonial authorities deployed not only torturers but also doctors and psychiatric specialists to subjugate the Algerian people to French power (Fanon 284). The act by the French interrogator of not only raping the woman, and thus satisfying his own anger, but of also stressing that the woman tell her husband is revealing of the complexity of this act for the French."
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Action and Inaction in Freud and Foucault, 2008.
An exploration of Sigmund Freud's and Michel Foucault's theoretical models in relation to action and inaction as the core of civilization.
1,813 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explores how action and inaction with regard to Eros and its control or containment is at the core of civilization and has profoundly shaped Western models of the state and social order. The paper makes reference primarily to the works of Sigmund Freud and Michel Foucault in its discussion. It concludes that action and inaction can be seen as the key issues underlying both Freud's and Foucault's respective theoretical models of human social relations and Western civilization.
From the Paper
"From this perspective, the exploration of aspects of action and inaction in Freud and Foucault lead us to understand how each thinker, although in clearly different ways, conceived of the roles of erotic impulse and its repression as a core element of human civilization. As we have seen, while Freud regarded this collective repression as being analogous to the individual repression of erotic desire and action that leads to neuroses, Foucault extended this to a deeper historical understanding of this apparatus of sexual and social control, and also how this apparatus reveals the possibility of resistance. In this analysis, action and inaction can be seen as the key issues underlying both Freud's and Foucault's respective theoretical models of human social relations and Western civilization."
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Foucault's Carceral System and Drug Rehabilitation, 2002.
Examine's failures in today's drug rehabilitation programs based on Michel Foucault's 'Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison'.
1,189 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
In present society, drug abuse and rehabilitation are prominent. More often than not, offenders tend to spend their time in and out of rehabilitative programs which are supposed to cure them of their drug habit yet somehow fail. In much the same way, prisons are supposed to rehabilitate criminals into honest citizens, yet, this is usually not the case. This paper examines how Michel Foucault analyzes how this situation came about in "Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison". Foucault's analysis of the role of failure in the carceral system is apparent and clearly existing in today's drug rehabilitative programs.
From the Paper
"Clearly, "detention causes recidivism" (p. 265) for a number of reasons. In the same way that delinquents in the prison system learn more about criminal activity, habitual drug abusers broaden their horizons when in contact with more experienced drug abusers. "The prison cannot fail to produce delinquents" (p. 266). The prison or rehabilitative center "should educate its inmates, but can a system of education addressed to man reasonably have as its object to act against the wishes of nature?" (p. 266). For a drug abuser, the need and desire to feel "high" becomes his primary urge. Only an extensive and in-depth personal education program would help control his behavior."
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Foucault on Disciplinary Power, 2005.
An analysis of Michel Foucault's concept of disciplinary power in his book "Discipline and Punish".
1,925 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
In his book "Discipline and Punish", Michel Foucault analyses the rise of a new type of disciplinary power, one linked to knowledge, techniques of surveillance, and the production of 'truth'. This paper looks at Foucault's analysis of the 'technological take-off in the productivity of power' and how he saw power as utilising the 'techniques' of the production of truth, knowledge, and surveillance. It also covers the idea of power acting through the subjectification of individuals. Finally, it attempts to analyse Foucault's framework for understanding culture, and the extent to which it is useful for this purpose.
From the Paper
"To understand how Foucault uses the idea of knowledge as power, it is perhaps most useful for us to first look at how truth is produced, i.e. how 'regimes of truth' came about, and how these are used to legitimise knowledge in order for knowledge to have status and thus be used in power relations. For the production of truth both makes claim to power and sustains and justifies it. Foucault questions the absolute truth of knowledge and sees truth as being something constructed to impose ideas of what is right and true (Fillingham 1993:5-7). "
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Gender and Foucault, 2008.
This paper discusses textual construction of gender differentiation in texts of Sigmund Freud, Nancy Chodorow and Michel Foucault.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of gender differentiation is a highly contentious one. The writer points out that this involves not only questions of how the process occurs in humans, but also its political associations in terms of power relations between the sexes, and institutional power in western societies in general. In order to understand the significance of the textual construction of gender differentiation the writer maintains that it would be useful to consider Foucault's analysis of how the medical community has played a major role in exploring this issue. Foucault's analysis is important for he does not simply consider the debates over gender differentiation to involve simply questions of biology and psychology, or even gender relations between the sexes. Instead, the writer notes that Foucault asks that we consider the textual explorations themselves as instruments of power by which medical institutions and society define and control sexuality.
From the Paper
"This "debate" between Chodorow and Freud with regard to the differentiation of gender can thus be seen as a struggle for gender power in society as a whole. The capacity to define one or the other gender as a normative state of humanity is clearly an assertion of power. However, in a larger analysis, Foucault would suggest that we see both researchers as been fundamentally similar in that they both partake of an institutional approach to infantile sexuality in the medical and scientific community which has, as its ultimate purpose, the assertion of control and domination over children's sexuality through processes of surveillance and behaviour modification. These processes with regard to the development of gender differentiation, Foucault argues, can be seen in the rendering as "perverse" such gendered states as "homosexuality" in children. This is revealing of the instrumentality through which western societies have, for at least the past few centuries, applied significant efforts to the control of individuals through the control of sexuality and - in particular - the power to define sexuality according to the interests of institutional powers."
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