The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: The Will to Knowledge
Foucault challenges the idea that modernity merely silenced sexuality. He analyzes multiplying discourses, expert practices and confession through which sexuality becomes a field of knowledge and power.
Understanding the text
The first volume appeared in 1976; later volumes transformed its announced program. Its argument about discourse does not deny that repression exists.
Key points
- 01
Repressive hypothesis
Speaking about sexuality can participate in power as well as silence and prohibition.
- 02
Power
Power relations are multiple, relational and connected to possibilities of resistance.
- 03
Biopolitics
Practices govern populations, health and reproduction through knowledge and institutions.
Explore the ideas in depth
Power and sexuality
Question the repressive hypothesis and power relations in The Will to Knowledge.
Situating the text
The first volume appeared in 1976; later volumes transformed its announced program. Its argument about discourse does not deny that repression exists. Foucault challenges the idea that modernity merely silenced sexuality. He analyzes multiplying discourses, expert practices and confession through which sexuality becomes a field of knowledge and power.
Following the arguments
Repressive hypothesis : Speaking about sexuality can participate in power as well as silence and prohibition. Power : Power relations are multiple, relational and connected to possibilities of resistance. Biopolitics : Practices govern populations, health and reproduction through knowledge and institutions.
Continuing the reading
Compare the 1976 program with the 1984 volumes without erasing their change of method and historical period. The first volume appeared in 1976; later volumes transformed its announced program. Its argument about discourse does not deny that repression exists.
Questions to carry into your reading
- Which discourses make particular experiences visible or invisible?
- Where do you find a possibility of resistance in the relationship studied?
Speaking, silencing and classifying can all participate in power relations.
How to read it
Compare the 1976 program with the 1984 volumes without erasing their change of method and historical period.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗