Theory & Philosophy Michel Foucault's "The Archaeology of Knowledge" (Part 1 of 4)
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Jul 13, 2024 Delving into historical representation and biases, questioning the comprehensive understanding of history and how language shapes perceptions. Exploring biases towards written records, the erasure of other forms of knowledge, and the evolution of historical methods. Discussing ruptures and discontinuities in museums, criticisms of structuralism, and the relationship between knowledge, power, and human suffering in institutions.
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History and Language Shape Reality
- History is not a neutral presentation of the past but a selective process shaped by interests and power.
- Language simplifies and excludes differences, shaping how history is understood and conveyed.
History's Shift to Complexity
- History shifted from totalizing grand narratives to handling multiplicity and ruptures in events.
- Yet, history still seeks patterns and relations to organize and make sense of the past.
Discontinuity in Other Disciplines
- Unlike history, other disciplines embrace discontinuities and ruptures without forcing them into a fixed canon.
- This sets the stage for Foucault's archaeological approach valuing differences over continuity.