Open AccessFoucault’s Critique of the Science of Sexuality: The Function of Science within Bio-power
Author(s) -
Sokthan Yeng
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of french and francophone philosophy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2155-1162
DOI - 10.5195/jffp.2010.169
Subject(s) - biopower , human sexuality , psychoanalytic theory , sociology , value (mathematics) , epistemology , politics , power (physics) , science studies , credence , psychoanalysis , michel foucault , function (biology) , social science , gender studies , philosophy , psychology , law , political science , statistics , physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , machine learning , evolutionary biology , computer science , biology
Foucault’s critique of the science of sexuality takes aim at both Freud and science. Foucault does not, as is common, seek to undermine psychoanalysis by claiming that it does not meet the rigors of science. Instead, he shows that scientific and psychoanalytic theories intersect because they are mechanisms of modern politics—biopolitics. Foucault suggests that politics determines the value of life and these sciences help to disseminate and promote knowledge about the privileged lives and lifestyles. Psychoanalytic, biological, and anatomical readings of sexuality are given credence because they dovetail with the dominant political discourse about life.