Foucault is highly regarded for a few reasons.
First, as you said, he was a "proactive" intellectual;
some American feminists link the nature of Foucault's
inclusion of "the other" and the marginalized in his
writings as a source of his popularity (Several essays
in the book Feminist Interpretations of Michel
Foucault make reference to this). Foucualt, quite
frankly, brought many issues (prison reform,
psychology, sex/uality, etc.) to the forefront of the
political agenda of France. This inspires some to take
a closer look at Foucault, and usually people like
what they see.
Second, Foucault is simply a great writer. Look at the
opening scene of Discipline and Punish- it's amazing.
The rhetorical beauty of Foucault's works, even
translated, is simply stunning. Edward Said noted that
Foucault's counter-memories are just great to read.
Third, much philosophy at the time of Foucault's rise
during the 60s and 70s is simply uninspiring. It's a
bunch of white males rehearsing the same
Marxist/conservative dogams that they have espoused
for years. Foucault and Deleuze were both breaths of
fresh air for people who were looking for new ways to
resist old power relations.
That's all for now.
-Greg Seppi
--- Lionel Boxer <lboxer@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Does anyone agree with this? Does anyone disagree?
>
> Not to diminish Foucault's intellectucal
> contribution.
>
> Perhaps his popularity could be explained by his
> proactive and high profile
> social activism that contributed to his popularity.
>
> He provided theory and practice for resistance, but
> more important he led by
> example. He was a total force in that regard;
> perhaps even a movement.
>
>
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First, as you said, he was a "proactive" intellectual;
some American feminists link the nature of Foucault's
inclusion of "the other" and the marginalized in his
writings as a source of his popularity (Several essays
in the book Feminist Interpretations of Michel
Foucault make reference to this). Foucualt, quite
frankly, brought many issues (prison reform,
psychology, sex/uality, etc.) to the forefront of the
political agenda of France. This inspires some to take
a closer look at Foucault, and usually people like
what they see.
Second, Foucault is simply a great writer. Look at the
opening scene of Discipline and Punish- it's amazing.
The rhetorical beauty of Foucault's works, even
translated, is simply stunning. Edward Said noted that
Foucault's counter-memories are just great to read.
Third, much philosophy at the time of Foucault's rise
during the 60s and 70s is simply uninspiring. It's a
bunch of white males rehearsing the same
Marxist/conservative dogams that they have espoused
for years. Foucault and Deleuze were both breaths of
fresh air for people who were looking for new ways to
resist old power relations.
That's all for now.
-Greg Seppi
--- Lionel Boxer <lboxer@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Does anyone agree with this? Does anyone disagree?
>
> Not to diminish Foucault's intellectucal
> contribution.
>
> Perhaps his popularity could be explained by his
> proactive and high profile
> social activism that contributed to his popularity.
>
> He provided theory and practice for resistance, but
> more important he led by
> example. He was a total force in that regard;
> perhaps even a movement.
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at
> http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
http://personals.yahoo.com