Madness, Language, Literature

Michel Foucault's previously unpublished lectures on madness, literature, and structuralism explore the relationship between madness, language, and literature, revealing a more complex relationship between structuralism and Foucault than previously acknowledged.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

French philosopher Michel Foucault delved into the enigmatic connections between madness, language, and literature during the 1960s, exploring concepts that were less explicitly articulated in his later, more renowned works. Presented here for the first time, these previously unpublished texts unveil a Foucault who conducts a detached analysis of language and experience, free from historical constraints. Three central themes emerge: the exploration of madness across societies; the interplay between madness and language in Artaud, Roussel, and Baroque theater; and the structuralist literary criticism. Not only do these texts delve into unique concepts of the time, such as the "extra-linguistic," but they also unveil a far more intricate relationship between structuralism and Foucault than is commonly recognized.

The experience of madness transcends societal boundaries, as Foucault examines its manifestations across different cultures. He explores the ways in which language and discourse shape our understanding and representation of madness, highlighting the societal constructs and power dynamics that contribute to its categorization and stigmatization. Foucault's analysis of Artaud, Roussel, and Baroque theater provides a rich tapestry of insights into the intersection of madness and language. He examines how these theatrical forms employed language and imagery to evoke and explore the depths of the human psyche, often blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Through his structuralist literary criticism, Foucault challenges traditional approaches to literature and offers a new framework for understanding the relationship between language, power, and knowledge. He explores the ways in which literary texts construct and reinforce social norms, power structures, and ideologies, and how they can be used as tools for resistance and transformation.

These previously unpublished lectures by Foucault offer a unique glimpse into the intellectual landscape of the 1960s, where he pushed the boundaries of philosophical inquiry and challenged established paradigms. They provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between madness, language, and literature, and shed light on Foucault's broader philosophical project. By exploring these texts, readers gain a deeper understanding of Foucault's thought and his contribution to the field of philosophy.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226774831