Understanding Foucault

by Geoff Danaher, Tony Schirato, Jenn Webb

Derided and disregarded by many of his contemporaries, Michel Foucault is now regarded as probably the most influential thinker of the twentieth century, his work is studied across the humanities and social sciences. Reading Foucault, however, can be a challenge, as can writing about him, but in Understanding Foucault , the authors offer an entertaining and informative introduction to his thinking. They cover all the issues Foucault dealt with, including power, knowledge, subjectivity and sexuality and discuss the development of his analysis throughout his work.

Genres: Philosophy, Anthropology, Queer, Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 2000

Reviews

[Trudy]

I teach cultural studies, so am always interested in reading introductions to the thinkers my students have to read. This book is too dense and uses too much "jargon" for a beginner who has never read Foucault or for somebody just getting started with these theories. The ideas and concepts are well-grasped and laid out by the writer and appropriate for a grad student thinking of his or her thesis lit. review.

[Danah]

That's weird....

its writing is so clear and understandable that it reminds me so much of AI writing. Well yeah i have abused AI before but i'm trying to detach from it now.

IT'S JUST WHAT IS THAT. Exact, coherent, straightforward, and all for what? Repetetiveness, depthless sentences, and zero ounce of genuine and breadthful analysis.

I appreciate it being very readable and understandable (as long as it's truly human-written, yes I am seriously skeptical, it's that crazy) since it does feel more productive and in a way, rewarding to feel as if I am easily absorbing everything as it is. But all that I have absorbed, in hindsight, are magnified crumbs stripped of their spirit. (I recognize that most secondary sources are probably like that anyway)

I'm probably asking for too much though, or have been too AI-pilled (I'm concerned about my concern's implications to my mind and our current state of technological relationship).

In summary: it's very readable, and you can take much away from it. My only problem is its hyper-computer like writing, seemingly stripped of any heartful or creative spirit, which may be a problem only for borderline delulu people like me.

[AmamiyaYuuko]

This is a good introductory guide to Foucault's theories, exploring every facet of his thinking. It's a solid starting point that will allow me to attempt reading Foucault's Collège de France lecture series.

[super secret sexy bookworm]

I have been pretty into Foucault and some of his theories are hard to understand. I found this book at the library that puts his quotes into context and explains them, and it was a great read. 5/5 for content.

[Taylor]

A great way to delve into Foucault without actually reading his work which I find to be nearly impossible.

[Alex K]

easy to digest information about foucault! no jargon at all, felt super dumbed down and i understand foucault a bit now (surprise surprise!)

[Jordan Brown]

I just started reading Foucault, and this distillation of his major concepts was immensely helpful.

[Ananda Woods]

I understooded Foucault

[Saad Lakhani]

A great place to start Foucault

[John Wilson]

Foucault is such a long-winded and circuitous writer it is virtually impossible to understand him straight away. Hence the need for a book like this. Its short and comprehensive.

[Pradiipa]

A comprehensive introduction to Foucault's philosophy, especially useful for students.