Introducing Foucault - Softcover

Horrocks, Christopher; Jevtic, Zoran

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1840460865 ISBN 13: 9781840460865

Publisher: Icon, 1999

Synopsis

Michel Foucault's work was described at his death as the most important event of thought in our century. As a philosopher, historian, and political activist he certainly left behind an enduring and influential body of work, but is this acclaim justified?

Introducing Foucault places Foucault's work in its turbulent philosophical and political context, and critically explores his mission to expose the links between knowledge and power in the human sciences, their discourses and institutions. This book explains how Foucault overturned our assumptions about the experience and perception of madness, sexuality and criminality, and the often brutal social practices of confinement, confession and discipline. It highlights his engagement with psychiatry and clinical medicine and shows how his politics found physical expression on the streets of Paris in conflict with the police.

The book also contrasts his background, education, lifestyle and relationships with the transgressive aspects of pleasure and desire which he promoted in his writing.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher Horrocks is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Design at Kingston University. His previous books include Introducing Baudrillard and Baudrillard and the Millennium (both published by Icon/Totem). Zoran Jetvic is hugely renowned illustrator.

Edition details

• Publisher: Icon
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1840460865
• ISBN 13: 9781840460865
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176