New Books in Intellectual History
Stuart Elden, "The Early Foucault" (Polity Press, 2021)
Jan 3, 2025
In this discussion, Stuart Elden, a Professor of Political Theory and Geography at the University of Warwick, navigates the early years of Michel Foucault. Elden reveals how new archival material sheds light on Foucault's intellectual development, influenced by key mentors in post-war Paris. He highlights Foucault's struggles and transformations in his early work leading to 'The History of Madness'. The conversation also touches on Foucault's disillusionment with psychiatry and pivotal moments that shaped his trajectory, painting a compelling picture of his formative influences.
53:59
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Quick takeaways
- Stuart Elden's exploration of Foucault's early career highlights the significant influences of thinkers like Sartre and Merleau-Ponty on his intellectual development.
- The rigorous archival research revealed critical insights into Foucault's formative ideas, linking his early struggles to the groundbreaking themes in The History of Madness.
Deep dives
Exploring Foucault's Early Career
Foucault's early career from the mid-1940s to 1961 is examined, highlighting his intellectual development during this period. His education in Paris and influences from prominent figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty shaped his academic direction. Foucault's limited publications in the 1950s and his eventual leap to The History of Madness in 1961 signify a notable shift in his scholarly work. This period marks the transition from his struggles with traditional academia to a more profound engagement with philosophical inquiry and institutional critique.
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