Discourse, Science and Power in Foucault's Theoretical Logic

From the late 18th century (after the French revolution) to the mid-20th century (World War II), the concentration of scientific discourse at this time is history and humans as its subjects. Humans are freed from all alienation and free from the determination of all things. Man becomes the object of knowledge and thus he becomes the subject of his freedom and existence. Humans become the center of thought. This can be seen in the development of social sciences and psychology.

In the view of Michel Foucault (hereinafter written: Foucault), there is a close relationship between discourse, science, and power. Both discourse and science, especially in determining what is true and what is false, depend heavily on their relationship to power. Science is implemented to determine what is true and to eliminate what is considered false. According to Foucault, it is very much determined by power.

Here it becomes clear that the will for truth is the expression of the will to power. There is no way that knowledge is neutral and pure according to Foucault. Here there is always a correlation, namely, knowledge contains power as well as power contains knowledge. One scientific explanation tries to master by getting rid of the explanation of another science. There is always a correlation in this context, namely that knowledge contains power as well as power contains knowledge. One scientific explanation tries to master by getting rid of the explanation of another science.

Thus it becomes increasingly clear that the will for truth is an expression of the will to power. There is no way that knowledge is neutral and pure according to Foucault. There is always a correlation in this context, namely that knowledge contains power as well as power contains knowledge. One scientific explanation tries to master by getting rid of the explanation of another science.

For example, advances in science and technology are often used to “force” change in society. It is difficult to deny that in an age where science and technology have developed in such a way, their existence is often “compelling”. Because otherwise, it’s hard for someone to talk about civilization. What is happening here, in Foucault’s logic is simply a shift in the instrument. It is this instrument that the “power holder” uses to impose his logic. Whatever it is, including social change. (SK)

Power and Themes of Sexuality in Foucault’s Perspective

Michel Foucault (hereinafter written: Foucault) is one of the great thinkers in history. He has contributed many things to the intellectual world, whether in the philosophical, cultural, social, political, or artistic fields. Foucault’s thoughts were widely discussed, criticized, and used as the basis for various groups to clarify their ideas. One of Foucault’s great contributions to philosophy and politics is his concept of power.

In contrast to other thinkers who have described the concepts of power, Foucault presents a new perspective of power. According to Foucault, power is not something that is only controlled by the state, something that can be measured. Power for him is everywhere. Because power is a dimension of relationships. It means, where there are relations, there is power. Herein lies Foucault’s quirk; he does not describe what power is, but how it functions in certain areas.

In fact, what Foucault wanted to emphasize was that we are part of the power mechanism. From this awareness will be born the ability to use power properly, meaning for the benefit of others. Anger to others is only born from awareness of one’s own place in the constellation of power. The problem in life is that many people do not realize their role in the map of power. If people are aware of this, then people will accept and appreciate the plurality of roles that exist in power relations. From this unconsciousness, various oppressive and uniform actions and systems will be born.

Power and Themes of Sexuality

The domination of power can also be seen for example in the analysis of themes of sexuality. Foucault sees sexuality as a transfer of understanding about power. How sexuality is discouraged is an expression of power. Open discussion about sex according to Foucault, is for the sake of regulating and recording the number of births. The population problem is a social problem, and it is related to sexuality. Therefore, power tries to study and intervene in the discussion of sex in order to regulate population growth. Sexuality becomes a public problem.

The perpetrators of sodomy, masturbation, necrophilia, homosexuality, masochism, sadism, and so on are defined as people who have deviant behavior. Foucault shows the relationship between sexuality and the sense of power in Christian confession. Here a secret is exposed, and at the same time, the position of him who knows the secret becomes very strong. The listeners of the confession are scientists, especially psychiatrists. In this position, the psychiatrist determines what is considered normal and what is seen as pathological in sexual behavior.

By pointing out the relationship between sexuality and power, Foucault underlines his basic thesis that power is everywhere. The intervention of power into sexuality occurs through bodily discipline and bodily science, and through population politics which regulates birth. Power began to administer the body and regulate people’s private lives. Correspondingly, resistance to that power is everywhere.