Main / Authors

Michel Foucault - Biography

Foucault is a name that is associated with deep reflections on power, knowledge and human nature. Foucault was a French philosopher, historian of thought and sociologist whose contributions to modern humanitarian theory and cultural research remain invaluable. In this biography, we look at his life, philosophical works, and impact on the modern academic and intellectual sphere.

Michel was born on October 15, 1926 in Poitiers, France. His early years were marked by academic giftedness, and he continued his education in France, studying at École Normal Supérieur and the Faculty of Philosophy of the Sorbonne. In 1961 he received a doctorate in philosophy for his dissertation on René Descartes.

Foucault became famous for his research in the field of history of thought and social theory. His early works, such as "A History of Madness in the Classical Era" (1961) and "Words and Things: Archaeology of the Humanities" (1966), aroused interest in issues of knowledge, power, and subjectivity in Western culture.

Perhaps the most influential work, however, was "Supervising and Punishing: The Birth of Prison" (1975). In this book, he explores the history of punishment and control, presenting the concept of "panoptism" - the idea of pervasive observation and control, which has become an important element in the analysis of power and social structures.

Michel Foucault had a huge influence on the development of cultural studies, post-structuralism and philosophy. His work became the basis for many academic studies and inspired generations of scientists and philosophers. He also held high positions in the academic environment and was elected dean of the Faculty of Literature and Humanities at the Collège de France.

Michel's personal life remained largely private. His work focused exclusively on philosophy, theory, and social issues. Its influence on the modern intellectual and academic sphere cannot be overstated, and its ideas continue to be the subject of research and discussion.