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Understanding Foucault
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Understanding Foucault
A Critical Introduction

Second Edition


208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Michel Foucault is now regarded as one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. He is known for his sensibility of critique and his commitment to movements for social change. His analysis of the ways our notions of truth, meaning, knowledge and reason are shaped by historical forces continues to influence thinkers around the world.

Understanding Foucault offers a comprehensive introduction to Foucault's work. The authors examine Foucault's thinking in the context of the philosophies he engaged with during his career, and the events he participated in, including the student protests of 1968. A unique feature of the book is its consideration of recently published lectures and minor works, and the authors show how these illuminate and extend our understanding of Foucault's major books.

Understanding Foucault provides an accessible entrée to the world of this extraordinary and challenging philosopher.

 
Questions of Method
 
Power and Knowledge
 
Governmentality
 
Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism
 
Subjectivity and Technologies of the Self
 
Critique and Ethics

Very helpful for enabling students to understand Foucault's thought in relation to faith communities

Dr Sophie Gilliat-Ray
Religious & Theological Studies, Cardiff University
March 12, 2012

Useful critical introduction to Foucault that students will find helpful for analysing key concepts.

Dr Sophie Gilliat-Ray
Sch of Religious & Theological Studies, Cardiff University
March 12, 2012

Outstanding. Anyone wishing to get to grips with this difficult philosopher should consider starting here.

Mr Harry Miller
Business School, Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
March 7, 2012

A comprehensive and well written introduction to this seminal philosopher.

Mr Dominic Kirby
School of Education, Waterford Institute of Technology
March 7, 2012
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Tony Schirato

Tony Schirato teaches and researches in the areas of cultural theory, media literacy, and sport and the media. He has co-authored books on the work of Michel Foucault and Pierre Bourdieu, and also on communication and cultural literacy, globalisation, Asian cultural politics and visual culture. His most recent book is on sports culture. He is currently co-authoring a book on the work of gender theorist Judith Butler. More About Author

Geoff Danaher

Dr Geoff Danaher taught in the STEPS bridging program at CQUniversity. He has researched in areas such as cultural studies, education for travellers, comedy and gender and sport. More About Author

Jenn Webb

Jen Webb is the Director of the Communication, Media and Cultural Studies research area. Her academic interests range from neomarxist theorising of social practice to aesthetic forms and content, with snippets of semiotics, narrative theory, communication theory and social research, along the way More About Author