FOUCAULT’S PHILOSOPHY AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61357/sehs.v18i2.18Keywords:
Foucault, psychology, history of psychology, philosophyAbstract
Michel Foucault has made an important contribution to psychology, especially with his analysis of power, knowledge and discourse. His critique of traditional understandings of power led to the concept of “disciplinary power”, which examines how institutions exert control over individuals through disciplinary practices. Foucault’s archaeological and genealogical methods provided insight into the historical development of psychological concepts and the role of experts in the production of knowledge. His exploration of “governmentality” revealed how psychological techniques are used to shape and control individuals in different contexts. Foucault’s work has also influenced the study of mental health, identity and agency, highlighting the impact of power dynamics on diagnoses, subjectivity and decision-making. Concepts of biopower and biopolitics shed light on the regulation of bodies and sexuality, while discourse analysis critically examines how language constructs reality and influences power relations. Foucault’s ideas have prompted psychologists to adopt more contextual and socially inclusive approaches in order to challenge essentialist views and promote social justice.
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