Challenge Accepted Narratives

Foucault critiques widely accepted societal narratives, arguing that they can be narrow, arbitrary, and damaging. His works, such as 'Madness and Civilization' and 'Discipline and Punish', reveal how societal treatment of individuals—particularly the mentally ill and criminals—has shifted over time. He highlights that modern views of mental illness, which advocate for confinement and treatment, are relatively new and contrasts them with ancient perspectives where the 'mad' were often seen as touched by the gods and integrated into society. This calls for a re-examination of current practices and beliefs about mental health.