Foucault

Foucault

Foucault’s work was mainly embedded in a focus on the theories behind power, knowledge, human subjects and their participation. He is of the view that power is in existence, in all aspects around the world. He defines “power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategic situation in a particular society.” (Gordon, 28). He adds that this power is an inescapable web that traverses all aspects of life. According to Foucault, power is related to society but does not exist as an element or thing. He also refrains from the definition of the same but only gives definition of the relations affecting power. He adds metaphysically that power in essences exists when it is actualized.

In his later works, Foucault offers new ideas on power. He focuses on a unique power, which he describes as one, which is not directly related and has an immediate action on others. He focuses on one, which focuses on the individual actions of others. He adds that this power in focus can seduce, to incite, makes elements easier or difficult, and could also constrain and forbid in its levels of extremity (McHoul, & Grace, 27). His approach has two important perspectives. The initial perspective is that power can be actualized by various actions. In addition, power is determined by the complicity of those whom are affected by exercise of power. The second perspective is that power and its relations are the basic facets of social life in that, the ability to change the way people live as they are directly affected by the actions of power.

Such relations of power with society are based on the presence of knowledge and truth. Knowledge and truth are mutual in the exercise of power, in that, truth about what is right in society is based on the possession of adequate knowledge. Power according to Foucault is in every facet of the society. Hence interactions and eventual discussions about the societal issues results in exercise of power to face and tackle issues by a populace within the defined society. Discourses from the theories put forth by Foucault allow people in most societal settings to exercise their knowledge about issues affecting them either individually or socially (McHoul, & Grace, 36).

Furthermore, the exercise of power is an incorporation of truth in that the discussions or discourse. This is actualized in that the discourse offers society the platform to share information and thus spread information or knowledge to others who do not possess such. Hence, knowledge and truth are both vital facets of power. On the other hand, truth is also made up of knowledge and power whereas power is made up of truth and knowledge. All of these elements contribute greatly to power relations within any societal setting (Gordon, 53).

Participation of people in the society is also a sign of knowledge and exercise of truth and power. This is because large numbers of participants in society in matters such as governance and economics give such participants the power accrued to numbers. In addition, the presence of knowledge is also a power, which affects people in its execution or actualization. Knowledge is truth in that it is based on the possession of information about material facts, which have the potency to affect an individual’s life as well as the society (McHoul, & Grace, 45).

In conclusion, the identified elements: power, truth and knowledge are part of the power relations in that they affect all levels of society. Power in essence is an action, which is based on the presence of adequate information or knowledge about facts, which are material. Such facts are also described as truth in that they are expressly unbiased and reflect on a true and fair opinion or position.

Work Cited

Gordon, Charles. Afterword, in M. Foucault Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews and Other Writings 1972-1977. Hemel Hempstead : Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1980. Print.

McHoul, Arnold. & Grace, Weiner. A Foucault Primer: discourse, power and the subject, Victoria: Melbourne University Press, 1993. Print.