In a message dated 31/03/04 22:02:19 GMT Daylight Time,
ari@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> I don't see this as that far from Foucault's take on the law and
> sovereignty. do
> you remember his debate with Chomsky?
I thought this text might be mentioned. It dates from a time in 1971-2 when
Foucault's views were a good deal closer to those of Deleuze and some of the
far left than they later became. For example: in Power p 438 there is a
sympathetic reference to 'those who fight for human rights' (1978) and (re Iran)
'Against power one must always set inviolable laws and unrestricted rights' (p
453, 1979). And, up to the text on the boat people in 84, which does not merit
to be set aside as 'predictable', he develops his own idea of the rights of the
governed, as a right (and duty) to *exercise* solidarity. In short, if
Foucault does not endorse or propose a particular doctrine of human rights, he shows
no appetite for sarcastic denunciation (as became popular in France during
the Carter presidency) of all those whose use such a concept. He continues to
question views of power as primarily juridical in its basis and operation but
that does not lead him to take the view that all resistance in the name of
rights is misconceived. Foucault's views was formed by involvements in a number of
specific causes, some perhaps (dare one say it, in all respect of Deleuze's
philosophical greatness) more serious than the question of non-smoking taxis in
Paris.
Colin
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ari@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> I don't see this as that far from Foucault's take on the law and
> sovereignty. do
> you remember his debate with Chomsky?
I thought this text might be mentioned. It dates from a time in 1971-2 when
Foucault's views were a good deal closer to those of Deleuze and some of the
far left than they later became. For example: in Power p 438 there is a
sympathetic reference to 'those who fight for human rights' (1978) and (re Iran)
'Against power one must always set inviolable laws and unrestricted rights' (p
453, 1979). And, up to the text on the boat people in 84, which does not merit
to be set aside as 'predictable', he develops his own idea of the rights of the
governed, as a right (and duty) to *exercise* solidarity. In short, if
Foucault does not endorse or propose a particular doctrine of human rights, he shows
no appetite for sarcastic denunciation (as became popular in France during
the Carter presidency) of all those whose use such a concept. He continues to
question views of power as primarily juridical in its basis and operation but
that does not lead him to take the view that all resistance in the name of
rights is misconceived. Foucault's views was formed by involvements in a number of
specific causes, some perhaps (dare one say it, in all respect of Deleuze's
philosophical greatness) more serious than the question of non-smoking taxis in
Paris.
Colin
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