The Passion of Michel Foucault - Hardcover

Miller, James

3.96

347 ratings by Goodreads

9780002552677: The Passion of Michel Foucault

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002552671 ISBN 13: 9780002552677

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993

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This is a study of Michel Foucault's life in philosophy. Foucault was probably the most influential Western philosopher since Sartre. Hailed as an original thinker, he has also been criticized as a dangerous and irresponsible nihilist. Drawing on extensive research, this book focuses on the philosopher's obsession with death and his taste for sado-masochistic sex. By the author of "Democracy in the Streets".

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Review:

Probably the best general introduction to Foucault's later thinking.

�A� bold and brilliant reconstruction of Foucault's life and thought...Miller's argument is persuasive.

[A] bold and brilliant reconstruction of Foucault's life and thought...Miller's argument is persuasive.

Miller's controversial book is the product of prodigious research...[H]e discusses madness, death, and homosexuality, and particularly sadomasochism in great, graphic, almost sensational detail.

Miller gives us the portrait of a vibrant, incandescent, fearless, and luminous mind--yes, perhaps self-destructive and all too human, but one that can never be accused of banality, mediocrity, pettiness, or naivetA(c).

James Miller's impressively documented study of Foucault's life in philosophy is an electric, disturbing, and brilliantly provocative work, truly worthy of its subject, and essential companion to a reading of late twentieth century Western culture.--Edward W. Said, author of Culture and Imperialism and Orientalism

James Miller may shock some readers with his way of talking about both sex and philosophy, Nietzsche and AIDS, theories of knowledge and sadomasochism, but out of these contrasting elements he constructs a heroic life, one that illustrates the very notion Foucault developed late in his career, the idea that a philosopher's life should be exemplary and that he himself should be a lover of wisdom, a seeker of truth.--Edmund White, author of A Boy's Own Story

About the Author:

James Miller is Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Liberal Studies at the New School for Social Research.

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