Book description
Philosophy for busy people. Read a succinct account of the philosophy
of Foucault in just one hour.
The French philosopher Michel Foucault set about his task rather like a
historian. After painstaking research, he concluded that knowledge and
power were intimately related throughout history. He illustrated this
central idea of his philosophy through studies of madness, sexuality,
and discipline and punishment, arguing that there is no such thing as
absolute truth, only different truths about reality at particular
moments - truths that fulfil the needs of power.
Here is a concise, expert account of Foucault's life and philosophical
ideas - entertainingly written and easy to understand. Also included are
selections from Foucault's work, suggested further reading, and
chronologies that place Foucault in the context of the broader scheme of
philosophy. 'Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit
about them . . .I find them hard to stop reading.' New York Times
'Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise' Wall Street Journal
'Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of
time, place, and character . . . I cannot think of a better way to
introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.' Boston Globe
'A godsend in this era of the short attention span.' New York Times
Paul Strathern has lectured in philosophy and mathematics and now lives
and writes in London. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he is also the
author of books on history and travel as well as five novels. His
articles have appeared in a great many publications including the
Observer (London) and the Irish Times. His own degree in philosophy was
earned at Trinity College, Dublin.
