Foucault and Politics: A Critical Introduction

A clear and critical account of the political dimension of Foucault's thought and its relation to real politicsOne of the most prominent theorists in the contemporary humanities and social sciences, Michel Foucault is known as a radical thinker who disturbs our understanding of society. Yet until now comparatively little attention has been given to his politics, not least because he presented a moving target, continually changing his concerns and his apparent position.This book surveys Foucault's thought in the context of his life and times, utilising the latest primary and secondary materials to explain the political implications of each phase of his work and the relationships between each phase. It also illustrates how his thought has been used in the political sphere and examines the importance of his work for politics today.Key Features. Examines the relationship between Foucault's thought and politics. Overviews the political reception of Foucault's thought. Thoroughly assesses Foucault's thought and the political uses to which it has been put. Uses text boxes to highlight and explain key ideasMark G. Kelly is the author of The Political Philosophy of Michel Foucault (2008) and Foucault's History of Sexuality Volume I, The Will to Knowledge (Edinburgh University Press, 2013). He is Senior Lecturer at the University of western Sydney.