"discourse and Truth" and "parresia"

The book "The Archaeology of Knowledge" by Michel Foucault is a collection of lectures that explore the concept of parresia, which means truth-telling or frank speech. It traces the transformation of this concept across Greek, Roman, and early Christian thought and examines the moral and political position one must occupy to speak truthfully. Foucault's analysis advances his project of a history of the present and paves the way for a genealogy of the critical attitude in modern and contemporary societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 295 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The book is a collection of lectures delivered by the renowned French philosopher Michel Foucault in the latter part of his career. Comprising two parts, the volume offers an unparalleled exploration of Foucault's interpretation of the Greek concept of parresia, commonly translated as truth-telling or frank speech. Presented in a characteristic Foucauldian manner, the lectures trace the evolution of this concept across Greek, Roman, and early Christian thought, from its origins in pre-Socratic Greece to its pivotal role in the relationship between teacher and student. Rather than advocating for free speech, Foucault's objective is to examine the moral and political stance necessary to embrace the risk of speaking truthfully. Through his analysis of parresia, Foucault not only advances his project of a history of the present but also lays the groundwork for a genealogy of the critical attitude in modern and contemporary societies. Carefully edited and accompanied by notes and introductory material, these essays constitute a significant addition to Foucault's English-language corpus, making them essential reading for scholars of ancient and modern philosophy alike.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 224 x 145 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226509464