Foucault, subjectivity, and technologies of the self

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    67 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this chapter, the author analyzes Foucault's conception of subjectivity and his history of technologies of the self, the collections of practices by which subjectivity constitutes itself. The first section situates Foucault's conception of subjectivity in his overall body of work and intellectual context, particularly in relation to two figures in French philosophy. The second section explores the conception of the subject that Foucault develops in his late work. Having explained the importance of historical practices to his conception of subjectivity, the third section considers his history of Western practices of the self, mapping the relative fortunes of what Foucault calls the "technologies" of ethics and spirituality. The fourth section explores Foucault's consideration of the contemporary implications of his position, his assessment of the scope for and importance of spiritual or ethical practices today.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationA Companion to Foucault
    EditorsChristopher Falzon, Timothy O’Leary, Jana Sawicki
    Place of PublicationU.K.
    PublisherBlackwell
    Pages510-525
    Number of pages16
    ISBN (Print)9781444334067
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

    Keywords

    • Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984
    • ethics
    • philosophy
    • sprituality
    • subjectivity

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