Deleuze, Foucault, and Prisons: Revisiting "Intellectuals and Power"
May 13, 2020
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Deleuze and Foucault discuss theory, power, and activism in this podcast. They explore the roles of intellectuals, the tension between academia and power, and the formation of subjects. The episode also covers the challenges of working in a prison, the impact of COVID-19 on incarcerated individuals, and the importance of political praxis. The speakers reflect on privilege and the need to create spaces for marginalized voices.
Theory is crucial for revolutionary practice, with Delos arguing against dislocating theory from practice and the need for outside authority to manage struggles.
Creating spaces for marginalized voices to speak for themselves is vital, rather than relying on outside authority to represent them, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and open-ended conversations.
Deep dives
The role of theory and practice in Delos and Foucault's interview
In the interview between Delos and Foucault, they discuss the relationship between theory and practice, emphasizing that theory is necessary for practice to be revolutionary. Delos argues against the dislocation of theory from practice and the need for outside authority to manage or guide struggles. Foucault focuses on the role of the intellectual, highlighting a shift in their role since the 19th century. Both Delos and Foucault advocate for empowering individuals and allowing them to speak for themselves rather than being represented by others.
The challenges and complexities of working in a prison environment
The podcast host, Craig, shares his experience working as an educator in a prison. He discusses the routine and irregularities of prison life, the role of authority, and the prevalence of infantilization within the prison system. Craig highlights the need for self-examination and the creation of an inclusive and enabling learning environment within the prison context. He also reflects on the impact of the prison's body without organs on both staff and inmates.
The debate on political praxis and representation
The podcast delves into the interview's discussion on political praxis and representation. It explores the tension between the need for collective action and the critique of representation. The importance of creating spaces for marginalized voices to speak for themselves is emphasized, rather than relying on outside authority to represent them. The challenges of navigating authority and institutional expectations in academia are also addressed, raising the importance of engaging in open-ended conversations and self-reflection.
In this episode, we revisit the famous talk between Deleuze and Foucault entitled "Intellectuals and Power". Our discussion of interview involves breaking down Deleuze's theory of theory and praxis and examining the development of Foucault's notion of power from this interview to his writing of Discipline and Punish. Also, Craig reflects upon his work as a prison educator vis-à-vis the concepts explored.
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The text of "Intellectuals and Power" can be found on libcom.org.