Constructing Foucault's Ethics: A Poststructuralist Moral Theory for the Twenty-First Century

Michel Foucault's concept of "speaking truth to power" is the foundation for Mark Olssen's book Constructing Foucault's Ethics, which proposes an alternative ethical and moral theory that avoids postmodern relativism and grounds ethical, moral, and political discourse for the present age. Olssen's study explores the concept of "life continuance" as a normative orientation to the future, giving rise to irreducible normative values as part of the discursive order of events.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Michel Foucault's groundbreaking work in popularising the term'speaking truth to power' laid the foundation for constructing a new ethical framework. In his book Constructing Foucault's Ethics, Mark Olssen takes this thesis further by exploring the possibilities of developing an alternative ethical and moral theory that can transcend the limitations of postmodern relativism while providing a basis for ethical, moral, and political discourse in the contemporary age.

Olssen begins his study by examining the late 'ethical turn' in the philosophical discourse, recognising the need for a more comprehensive and forward-looking ethical framework. He aims to construct an ethics that goes beyond Foucault's original ideas while remaining firmly rooted in his core postulates.

One of the central concepts Olssen introduces is the notion of 'life continuance', which represents a normative orientation towards the future focused on survival and well-being. This concept gives rise to irreducible normative values that shape the discursive order of events. Olssen contrasts this approach with other established systems, such as Kantian ethics, Marxist ethics, contract ethics, and utilitarianism, to demonstrate its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Through his meticulous analysis and thoughtful arguments, Olssen demonstrates how the concept of life continuance can provide a framework for addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas and promoting a more just and equitable society. He argues that life continuance offers a way to transcend the individualistic and relativistic tendencies of postmodernism while still respecting the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.

Constructing Foucault's Ethics is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional ethical frameworks and offers a fresh perspective on the construction of an ethical and moral theory. It is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, and politics, as it provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of ethical discourse.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526176271