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The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's History of Sexuality: A Comprehensive Guide to Michel Foucault's Landmark Work

Howard Blair

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Published in The Routledge Guidebook To Foucault S The History Of Sexuality (The Routledge Guides To The Great Books)

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Michel Foucault's 'History of Sexuality' is widely acclaimed as a landmark work in the field of sexuality studies. Published in three volumes over a decade, Foucault's ambitious project sought to uncover the historical origins and development of Western conceptions of sexuality. The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's History of Sexuality provides an in-depth examination of this seminal work, offering a comprehensive for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history and philosophy of sexuality.

The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's The History of Sexuality (The Routledge Guides to the Great Books)

by Evan M. Berman

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3316 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	226 pages

Historical Context

Foucault's 'History of Sexuality' is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context in which it emerged. The first volume, 'An ,' examines the emergence of sexuality as a distinct domain of knowledge and regulation in the late 18th century. Foucault argues that this shift was not primarily driven by a new scientific understanding of human nature, as previously believed, but rather by the growing power and reach of modern governmental practices.

Michel Foucault's 'History Of Sexuality' In Three Volumes The Routledge Guidebook To Foucault S The History Of Sexuality (The Routledge Guides To The Great Books)

In the second volume, 'The Use of Pleasure,' Foucault explores the ways in which sexuality was managed and controlled through various practices, such as confessional practices, medical discourses, and educational institutions. He argues that these practices, rather than liberating sexuality, actually served to create new forms of regulation and discipline.

Philosophical Framework

Foucault's 'History of Sexuality' is also notable for its innovative philosophical framework. Drawing on the works of Nietzsche, Marx, and structuralism, Foucault developed a unique approach to analyzing power and knowledge. He argued that knowledge and power are not separate entities, but rather two sides of the same coin. Knowledge is produced through power relations, and in turn, it serves to reinforce and maintain those relations.

Foucault's concept of discourse is central to his analysis of sexuality. He defines discourse as a system of meanings and representations that shapes our understanding of reality. He argues that sexuality is not a natural or essential category, but rather a product of the discourses that surround it.

Impact and Legacy

The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's History of Sexuality highlights the profound impact and lasting legacy of this groundbreaking work. Foucault's ideas have profoundly influenced the fields of sexuality studies, gender studies, and critical theory. His insights have sparked new debates and opened up new avenues of inquiry into the history and politics of sexuality.

The guidebook explores the ways in which Foucault's work has been used to challenge traditional notions of sexuality, gender, and power. It also examines the criticisms that have been leveled against Foucault's work, and it offers a balanced and nuanced assessment of his contributions to the field.

The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's History of Sexuality is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the history, philosophy, and impact of this landmark work. The guidebook provides a comprehensive to Foucault's complex and influential ideas, and it offers a valuable resource for further research and exploration.