An Inquiry on Relation among Discourse, Truth and Power in Michel Foucault

Authors : Metin BECERMEN

Pages : 131-143

Doi:10.20981/kaygi.411673

View : 18 | Download : 20

Publication Date : 2018-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Foucault calls his work “a critical history of the thought.” However, the critical history of the thought is the time, when any truth games appear, but not the time, when the truth is obtained or hindered. This history is directly linked to the power and to how the power operates. Foucault, who also deals with the power matter in line with the relation between discourse, truth and power, inquires function of the power in any enclosed institutions formed depending on development conditions of the capitalism such as hospitals, jails, etc. His main problem is to deal with the power by acting with any power relationship and to make a power solution accordingly. In this context, Foucault also adopts the states as a matter depending on analysis of modern institutions. He thinks that there is a resistance opportunity in wherever the power is available. Resistance means in some ways setting forth a different discourse and developing a game other than the power game. Therefore, Foucault, who thinks that, when the power is at stake, one should go out of the existing game and leave the state our of the game, makes a critical room for philosophy at this point.   
Keywords : Discourse, Knowledge, Panopticon, Power, Truth