Michel Foucault

Michel Foucault was a French philosopher whose work examines the relationship between power, knowledge, and society. He argued that power is not just held by institutions; it's dispersed throughout social relationships and practices. Foucault challenged historical narratives and emphasized how social norms and realities are constructed, leading to a form of relativism where truth and morality vary across contexts. His studies of prisons, madness, and sexuality reveal how societal values shape individual identities and behaviors. By analyzing history and institutions, Foucault encourages critical reflection on how knowledge influences power dynamics and our understanding of self and society.