Speaking the Truth about Oneself: Lectures at Victoria University, Toronto, 1982

In his lecture series at Victoria University in Toronto, Foucault explores the development of a new form of verbal practice-speaking the truth about oneself-in which the subject increasingly comes to be defined by its inner thoughts and desires. He deemed this new form of hermeneutical subjectivity important not just for historical reasons but also due to its enduring significance in modern society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Before the summer of 1982, the renowned French philosopher Michel Foucault delivered a series of lectures at Victoria University in Toronto. These lectures, which formed part of his ambitious project to write a genealogy of the modern subject, delved into the profound theme of self-care and cultivation. Foucault's interest in this subject grew throughout his career, and in the later phase of his life, he became particularly intrigued by the ethical constitution of subjects in the face of knowledge and power constellations.

In this lecture series and accompanying seminar, Foucault explored the origins of a new form of verbal practice—speaking the truth about oneself—which emerged in antiquity. He traced its development from classical Greece to the early Roman Empire and finally concluded with Christian monasticism in the fourth and fifth centuries AD. Through this historical journey, Foucault demonstrated how the subject gradually shifted from being defined by external factors to being defined by its inner thoughts and desires. He recognized the significance of this new form of hermeneutical subjectivity not only for historical reasons but also because of its enduring relevance in modern society.

One of the central questions that Foucault addressed in these lectures was whether another form of the self is possible today. He argued that while the modern subject has been shaped by the forces of knowledge and power, it is still possible to cultivate a sense of self that is more authentic and self-aware. Foucault suggested that this can be achieved through practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and the cultivation of critical consciousness. He also emphasized the importance of challenging dominant discourses and power structures that perpetuate false notions of the self and limit our potential for self-expression.

In conclusion, Michel Foucault's lecture series at Victoria University in Toronto provided a profound exploration of the theme of self-care and cultivation. Through his historical analysis and critical insights, Foucault challenged the dominant narratives of the self and offered a vision of a more authentic and self-aware subject. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about identity, power, and the ethical constitution of the individual.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226616865