Hi list,
I am wrestling with two short quotes from Veyne in order to understand
what it exactly means to say that Foucault was a strategic thinker [not
every body would agree]. I am posting the two quotes below [wtih brief
connecting comments] to see what others have to say about the ideas
expressed therein. [Paul Veyne, was Foucault?s colleague and very close
friend and one of his most perceptive commentators].
Paul Veyne describes the aim of the Foucauldian type of philosophy as ?to
make a diagnosis of present possibilities and to draw up a strategic
map-with the secret hope of influencing the choice of combats? (Veyne 1997
p. 230). What are these combats,
and which kinds of choices are involved? and why the hope is secret?? Some
would say that, this strategic philosophy with the ?secret hope of
influencing choice of combats? is overtly dangerous philosophy because it is
secretive, and subtle, because it takes long detours which makes it hard to
easily grasp the direction towards which it is heading.
Again concerning Foucault's method Veyne writes that Foucault ?preferred to
preach by example, to exemplify his method in history books rather than
setting it out. This was done for strategic reasons (to avoid words which
might shock, since the thing is not shocking, because people are already
living out the death of truth without knowing it); but it was done also for
reasons of hygiene: he preferred not to subject the idea of finitude to too
much scrutiny, for it is made rather to live out? (Veyne 1992 p. 342). what
is the meaning of the pharse "for reasons of hygiene" in this context?
I have used these fragments in different contexts before but would like to
delve more deep. I would like to know what others think on the issue in
gneneral, or any particualr issue involved in it or related to it.
Betst regards
ali
References:
Paul Veyne (1992) ?Foucault and going beyond (or the fulfilment of)
nihilism? in Armstrong ed. (1992).Michel Foucault Philosopher trans. Timothy
J. Armstrong (Hemel Hempstead, Harvester Wheatsheaf).
Paul Veyne (1997) ?The Final Foucault and his Ethics? in Davidson ed.
(1997).Foucault and his interlocutors (London, Chicago University Press).
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