Foucault: A Very Short Introduction

Foucault was a French philosopher who explored identity, knowledge, and power in various fields, including drugs, politics, and the Paris SM scene. He was a major influence on Queer Theory and gender studies and wrote on architecture, history, law, medicine, literature, politics, and philosophy. This Very Short Introduction presents a wide-ranging exploration of some highlights of Foucault's life and thought, including his thoughts on literature, philosophical and historical work, treatment of knowledge and power, and sexuality. It includes feminist criticisms of Foucault's apparent sexism and a new chapter offering a unified overview of the Collège de France lectures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Foucault, a French philosopher born in 1926, is a renowned figure who has left an indelible mark on the world of philosophy. His diverse interests and unconventional approach to thinking have made him a cult figure. Throughout his life, Foucault explored various fields, including drugs, politics, and the Paris SM scene, while also delving into the profound concepts of identity, knowledge, and power. He challenged traditional models of thinking and offered new perspectives that continue to be widely debated today. Foucault's influence extended to Queer Theory and gender studies, as he was openly gay and died of an AIDS-related illness in 1984. He also made significant contributions to architecture, history, law, medicine, literature, politics, and philosophy. In this Very Short Introduction, Gary Gutting provides a comprehensive yet non-systematic exploration of Foucault's life and thought. The book begins with a brief biography to establish the social and political context of Foucault's era. Gutting then delves into Foucault's ideas on literature, particularly the avant-garde scene, his philosophical and historical work, his treatment of knowledge and power in modern society, and his thoughts on sexuality. The new edition includes feminist criticisms of Foucault's apparent sexism in the Jouy case and a new chapter that offers a unified overview of the Collège de France lectures, which are now a major focus of interest in Foucault's work. The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers concise and accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects. These pocket-sized books are perfect for gaining a quick understanding of a new topic, making them ideal for students, travelers, and anyone seeking a broad overview of a particular subject. With expert authors who combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm, these books make challenging topics highly readable and engaging.

Weight: 124g
Dimension: 111 x 172 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198830788
Edition number: 2 Revised edition