Foucault’s Critique of the Science of Sexuality: The Function of Science within Bio-power

• Main Author: Sokthan Yeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2010-01-01
• Series: Journal of French and Francophone Philosophy
• Subjects: Foucault, Freud, Canguilhem, sexuality, science
• Online Access: http://jffp.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/jffp/article/view/169

<p class="normal"><span>Foucault&rsquo;s critique of the science of sexuality takes aim at both Freud and science.&nbsp; Foucault does not, as is common, seek to undermine psychoanalysis by claiming that it does not meet the rigors of science.&nbsp; Instead, he shows that scientific and psychoanalytic theories intersect because they are mechanisms of modern politics&mdash;biopolitics.&nbsp; Foucault suggests that politics determines the value of life and these sciences help to disseminate and promote knowledge about the privileged lives and lifestyles.&nbsp; Psychoanalytic, biological, and anatomical readings of sexuality are given credence because they dovetail with the dominant political discourse about life.</span></p>