Foucault, Truth, Discipline and Punish

Foucault, Truth, Discipline and Punish Michel Foucault's book "Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison" deals with the concept of prison as an integral part of society. In spite of the fact that he acknowledges the fact that prison is in some cases used abusively, Foucault appears to consider that people actually need it.

To a certain degree, the French philosopher believes that prison has a negative effect on society, but also considers that it would be impossible for society to abolish this concept because it is practically the materialization of people's thinking. It is difficult and almost impossible to determine Foucault's exact opinion in regard to discipline and punish, as in spite of the fact that he appears to accept these two as being essential, he also seems to consider that prison as a whole fails to assist society.

The French philosopher believed that there is no universal truth and that the concept of truth is shaped by various powers in society. The concept of power is probably one of the most divisive issues in Foucault's theories. By being inclined to believe that truth was determined by individuals who hold power or by unconscious power relations present in society, Foucault wanted to emphasize that truth can never be associated with the concept of stability.

Focusing on the French philosopher's understanding of truth is probable to generate many discussions, considering that instead of explaining it he actually contributes to making it even more confusing. One of Foucault's principal points of focus relates to the controversy regarding universal truth. The French philosopher's "work undermines the notion of universal truths about universal subjects" (McLaren 44). Foucault does not necessarily try to distinguish between truth and falsity, as he actually attempts to determine in what circumstances issues concerning these two elements emerge.

It appears that he vainly struggles to search for universal truths only to discover that it is practically impossible for such truths to exist. Foucault considered that truths primarily depend on how people interpret certain concepts. As a consequence, he believed that it would be impossible for an universal truth to exist as long as there will always be someone who can refute the respective truth on account of his or her personal interpretation of the matter.

The French philosopher was even inclined to consider that individuals who believe that a concept of universal truth actually exists are indoctrinated. By taking Christianity as an example, he attempted to demonstrate that this religious ideology has the tendency to impose a series of laws that individuals need to respect. As a consequence, it seems pointless to consider particular truths as being universal truths simply because a religious ideology influences one in taking on this attitude. Subjectivity is one of the most important ideas in Foucault's understanding of universal truth.

He virtually believed that it was impossible for a person to be objective because of his or her background and because of his or her personal beliefs. From his perspective, society keeps on trying to influence individuals to accept more general truths and this is basically the basis of the present-day social order. Moreover, he claims that universal truths tend to change depending on the time period that they are issued in and on the individuals who hold authority over these respective truths (Han 182).

Although Foucault acknowledges that people are in constant search for knowledge, he also emphasizes the fact that knowledge is not the same thing as accepting a universal truth. Moreover, knowledge produces even more confusion because it makes matters more complex and because it brings on new concepts that individuals need to consider before accepting an idea as being universally true. Knowledge actually "ceaselessly multiplies the risk, creates dangers in every area; it breaks down illusory defenses" (Foucault 387).

As a consequence, it would be wrong for someone to consider that performing an in-depth study of a particular issue is likely to generate positive results regarding the respective issue and to demonstrate that it is actually possible to accept a universal truth. In spite of the fact that society considers to have great power, it is unable to control the natural world and it is thus unable to agree with regard to a universal truth.

Foucault thus considers that people need to realize their powerlessness and refrain from trying to reach a point that cannot possibly be achieved. The French philosopher even highlights the fact that it is relatively dangerous for one to attempt to find a universal truth, as the respective individual is probable to try to influence others in agreeing to him simply because he or she is attempting to find support. One of the things that people are probable to achieve during their search for universal truth is self-discovery.

In spite of the fact that Foucault's "Discipline and Punishment" promotes the belief that there is no universal truth (as long not in the sphere of human knowledge), the French philosopher does not hesitate to relate to this concept as being particularly useful for individuals who want to learn more in regard to themselves and in regard to society as a whole. It is likely that Foucault considered that finding a universal truth was not as important as experiencing positive results.