ICES Book Club Autumn
Autumn Semester’s Read: "The Lives of Michel Foucault" by David Macey
We invite you to join our book club as we explore "The Lives of Michel Foucault" by David Macey, a thought-provoking biography that delves into the life and ideas of Michel Foucault, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Together, we will examine Foucault’s groundbreaking work and its continued relevance in today’s world.
This autumn, the ICES & Wasatia Graduate School Book Club, led by Tea Hodaj, explores the theme "Biographies of Remarkable Individuals." We have chosen books that highlight individuals who have made profound social or political impacts, whether through reconciliation efforts, peace processes, or as local heroes known for their moral courage and acts of kindness. While we considered many inspiring figures, Michel Foucault stood out as the individual who captured the most interest among our participants. Michel Foucault Foucault was a French philosopher and social theorist whose work revolutionized fields such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, and literary theory. He is best known for his analysis of power, knowledge, and social practices, exploring how power dynamics influence all areas of society. In seminal works like "Discipline and Punish"and "The Archaeology of Knowledge," Foucault introduced the concept of "power/knowledge," arguing that knowledge is not a neutral set of facts, but deeply entwined with the power structures that shape our understanding of reality. His ideas have played a pivotal role in advancing critical theory and continue to challenge how we think about social institutions, human behavior, and identity. Foucault’s influence goes far beyond disciplinary boundaries, reshaping how we understand the production, legitimization, and use of knowledge. He challenged the authority of scientific disciplines, revealing how they often reinforce societal norms and control marginalized groups. His critique of psychiatry, medicine, and the human sciences has led to a more reflexive and contextual approach to research, encouraging scholars to consider the historical and cultural contexts in which knowledge is created. Today, his work remains foundational in the critical social sciences.
Relevance to Conflict Studies
Foucault’s theories are also highly relevant to conflict studies and reconciliation processes. His exploration of power relations and social control offers critical insights into oppression and resistance, making his work invaluable for understanding the roots of social conflict and the conditions for reconciliation. By examining how societal norms and structures perpetuate divisions, Foucault’s ideas help us find ways to challenge and transform these dynamics. His focus on amplifying marginalized voices aligns with conflict resolution practices that seek to address historical injustices and promote inclusive dialogue. Foucault’s thought encourages us to critically examine the power structures underlying conflict, offering pathways to more equitable and lasting peace processes.
Book Club Schedule We meet every other Monday, starting from October 14th. Meetings will be held both on campus at Riga 6, Raum 601 and online via WebEx from 17:00 to 18:00. All meetings will be conducted in English.
Who Can Join?
Everyone is welcome to participate, including Bachelor and Master students, PhD candidates, and Postdocs. Below are the scheduled meeting dates:
October 14th
October 28th
November 11th
November 25th
December 9th
December 16th
Contact If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the book club, please feel free to contact Ms. Tea Hodaj at tea.hodaj-TextEinschliesslichBindestricheBitteEntfernen-
Synopsis
Michel Foucault died in 1984 from an AIDS-related illness, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential French philosophers since World War II. His studies of the modern systems of medicine, prisons, psychiatry, and other forms of classification continue to shape the fields of philosophy, history, and literary criticism worldwide. While he was deeply involved in campaigns for the rights of prisoners, dissidents, and the LGBTQ+ community, he kept his personal life shrouded in mystery. "The Lives of Michel Foucault", written by David Macey with the cooperation of Foucault's former lover, Daniel Defert, offers the most comprehensive account of Foucault’s life and work to date, addressing the complex issues that arise from his writings.