Philippine E-Journals

Foucault: Rethinking The Notions Of State And Government

Christian Bryan S. Bustamante

Discipline: Philosophy, Social Science

 

Abstract:

This paper explores the political thought of Michel Foucault, which is anchored on his philosophy of subjectivation or the transformation of individuals into subjects. It presents his ideas of the State from the point of view of specific strategies and practices of power used in the transformation of individuals into subjects. It also presents his analysis of government as an organization that looks after the achievement of individual’s goals and interests. The goal of government is not to achieve the common good but to realize the suitable end of each individual.