Foucault: Power is Everywhere

Summary

This episode of The Living Philosophy delves into Michel Foucault's revolutionary theory of power. Foucault challenges the traditional top-down view of power, proposing it as an immanent, pervasive force that operates through intentional yet non-subjective force relations. He emphasizes the intrinsic link between power and resistance, suggesting that power is not merely oppressive but also a catalyst for freedom and change. The episode explores how these concepts can be applied to understand everyday life and societal structures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Foucault is a renowned yet controversial 20th-century philosopher, often associated with Postmodernism and known for his innovative theory of power.
• 🧐 Foucault's theory of power challenges the traditional view by suggesting power is not merely hierarchical but operates like an omnipresent force in society.
• 🔍 The distinction between the empirical and theoretical levels of power is crucial in understanding Foucault's work, with the former focusing on historical manifestations and the latter on the fundamental nature of power.
• 💡 Power, according to Foucault, is immanent, similar to natural forces like gravity, and is not something concrete or tangible but has real and measurable effects.
• 🤔 Foucault posits that power is both intentional and non-subjective, meaning individuals make intentional choices that are influenced by non-subjective social forces.
• 🔗 Resistance is intrinsic to power; it is not external but internal to the power dynamic, implying that where there is power, there is also resistance.
• 👗 The concept of 'force relations' is central to Foucault's theory, representing the various social pressures and influences that shape individual behavior.
• 🤝 Force relations can both conflict with and support each other, forming complex networks that can lead to transformation, strengthening, or reversal of societal norms and structures.
• 🌐 Foucault describes the macro-level of power as 'strategies' which are the broader, institutionalized expressions of the micro-level 'tactics' or local force relations.
• 🏛 The 'institutional crystallization' of power refers to how these force relations can coalesce into formal institutions, such as laws or forms of governance.
• 🌟 Examples like Greta Thunberg illustrate how local tactics can escalate into broader strategic force relations, demonstrating the dynamic and pervasive nature of power.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Foucault's work discussed in the video script?

The central theme of Foucault's work discussed in the script is his theory of power, which challenges traditional views and offers a new perspective on how power operates in society.

How does Foucault redefine the concept of power?

Foucault redefines power as an immanent, oceanic force of nature rather than a hierarchical domination. He views it as a multiplicity of force relations that are not just top-down but also operate from the bottom up, influencing individuals and society.

What is the difference between the theoretical and empirical levels of power according to Foucault?

The empirical level of power refers to the study of forms that power has crystallized into over the course of history, which Foucault examines in his books. The theoretical level, on the other hand, is the study of the fundamental nature of power that is true across all its manifestations.

What misconception does Foucault identify about power in Western thought?

Foucault identifies a misconception in Western thought that views power as a top-down phenomenon wielded by the powerful over the less powerful, operating negatively to allow or forbid actions and punish transgressions. This perspective, according to Foucault, overlooks the majority of power's workings.

How does Foucault describe power as 'intentional and non-subjective'?

Foucault describes power as 'intentional' because it allows individuals to make choices with intention. However, it is 'non-subjective' because these choices are steered by forces that are not under individual control, such as social norms and expectations.

What is the relationship between power and resistance in Foucault's theory?

In Foucault's theory, power and resistance are intrinsically linked. He posits that where there is power, there is resistance, and this resistance is not external but internal to the power dynamic. Resistance is a fundamental part of power and is necessary for the existence of power relations.

How does Foucault define 'force relations' in his theory of power?

Foucault defines 'force relations' as the basic units of his bottom-up power system. They are the multiplicity of forces that act on individuals and society, influencing behavior and decisions. These force relations are immanent in the sphere in which they operate.

What is the significance of 'tactics' and 'strategies' in the context of Foucault's power theory?

In Foucault's theory, 'tactics' refer to local force relations that act on individuals, such as the opinions of friends or dress codes. 'Strategies', on the other hand, are the macro-level collections of shared force relations that can crystallize into institutions, such as laws or social hegemonies.

How does Foucault connect the concept of power with the idea of war?

Foucault connects the concept of power with the idea of war by suggesting that power should be modeled as a perpetual battle rather than a contract or the conquest of territory. This framing emphasizes the constant struggle and confrontation among force relations.

What is the role of 'institutional crystallization' in Foucault's theory?

In Foucault's theory, 'institutional crystallization' refers to the process by which chains and systems of force relations become solidified into institutions over time. This can include laws, social norms, or even new forms of government that emerge from the collective force relations of society.

How does the video script relate Foucault's theory of power to everyday life?

The video script relates Foucault's theory of power to everyday life by using the example of getting dressed for school. It illustrates how various force relations, such as school dress codes, parental opinions, and peer influences, act on an individual and how these can combine or confront each other to shape decisions.