Understanding Foucault: A Critical Introduction

by Tony Schirato, Jen Webb, Geoff Danaher

Understanding Foucault offers a comprehensive introduction to Foucault′s work. The authors examine Foucault′s thinking in the context of the philosophies he engaged with during his career, and the events he participated in, including the student protests of 1968. A unique feature of the book is its consideration of recently published lectures and minor works, and the authors show how these illuminate and extend our understanding of Foucault′s major books. Understanding Foucault provides an accessible entrée to the world of this extraordinary and challenging philosopher.

Genres: Philosophy, Anthropology, Queer, Nonfiction, History

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2000

Reviews

[Trudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jordan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Ananda Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understooded Foucault

[Saad Lakhani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great place to start Foucault

[John Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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