Michel Foucault

Basics

Misconceptions of Power

Hierarchical power is only a part
- → instead, power is an oceanic force of nature
Theoretical vs Empirical
- Focault talks both about theoretical and empirical power
- Emperical: sexuality, prison systems, etc. (historical crystallizations)
- Theoretical: generalized, abstract conception, a “theory of power”
Prior political analyses of power: misconception
- e.g. 1984, Leviathan, Marx’s class relations
- characterized as the struggle between powerful vs not powerful
- most power here is negative power (punishes)
- originates probably from the western legalistic tradition
- → but majority of power is not this (misrepresentation)

Immanent “microphysics” of power

invisible, but real and measurable
power is a quality of the social world (not metaphysical, natural force like Nietzche)
intentional & non-subjective (e.g. party DJ putting on “Killing me softly”)
- intentional: you are technically free.
- non-subjective: people will find you uncool

Resistance

Resistance is not exterior to power, but is intrinsic
revolutionaries → if there is no resistance, there is no power
relations of power is only allowed in a free society
- “free” in that you’re technically free to resist

Full Definition of Power

“Power must be understood in the first instance as the multiplicity of force relation imminent in the sphere in which they operate”
e.g. dressing for school
- legal, etc. (traditional)
- school clique
- “what’s cool”
⇒ They all operate simultaneously

Relations of Power

Local force relations act on each other (even in the absence of the individual to act on)
- e.g. war. Discipline & punish: perpetual battle
struggle, strengthen, weaken. etc
They can also bond & combine
- e.g. fashion + peers, school + parents kinda match

Institutional Crystallization (social)

PK's Notes