Philosophize This!

Episode #121 ... Michel Foucault pt. 1

Aug 15, 2018

This discussion delves into Michel Foucault's significant impact on postmodernism, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach. It examines the evolution of punishment from public spectacles to modern psychological discipline, shedding light on power dynamics. The podcast explores the mechanics of surveillance through Bentham's panopticon, illustrating how control extends beyond prisons into society's fabric. Additionally, it critiques the normalization techniques used by organizations to regulate behavior, revealing deeper societal implications of power and identity.

34:19

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Quick takeaways

The modern penal system focuses on disciplining and controlling the mind rather than physical punishment, aiming to produce compliant citizens conforming to normalized behavior.

Power lies in the hands of those with knowledge, particularly in the sciences, shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors.

Deep dives

The Transition from Physical Punishment to the Disciplining of the Mind

In the podcast episode, Foucot's book 'Discipline and Punish' is discussed as a starting point to explore the shift in the penal system from physical punishment to the disciplining and control of the mind. The emergence of the modern prison, with its focus on surveillance, normalization, and examination, is highlighted as a more effective method of maintaining social order. Fuco argues that the goal of the modern penal system is not justice or fairness, but the production of compliant, law-abiding citizens who conform to a normalized standard of behavior.