The Society Must Be Defended

"The Society Must Be Defended" is a lecture by philosopher Michel Foucault that explores how societies establish and justify systems of power and control through the use of knowledge and discourse. He argues that power is not just about laws or authority but is embedded in institutions, practices, and even in the way we think about ourselves and others. Foucault emphasizes that societal boundaries and identities are constructed through mechanisms of power, which are essential for maintaining social order but also involve ongoing struggles and negotiations. The lecture highlights the dynamic relationship between power, knowledge, and social organization.