Abstract
In this paper, I examine Foucault’s ideas concerning the care of the self. What exactly is this ideal that Foucault describes in his last two books? Do these books represent a break or a continuation with the earlier writings on knowledge and power? Most important, I consider whether the care of the self could ever be a significant ethical ideal given some of the objections that have been raised against Foucault’s position. I also look at the care of the self as the focus of Foucault’s own views on spiritual life. I argue that Foucault’s later work offers the basis for a secular or non-theistic spirituality which is especially relevant today.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 489-504 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Human Studies |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2014 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Sociology and Political Science
- Philosophy
Cite this
Foucault on the Care of the Self as an Ethical Project and a Spiritual Goal. / White, Richard J.
In: Human Studies, Vol. 37, No. 4, 2014, p. 489-504.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Foucault on the Care of the Self as an Ethical Project and a Spiritual Goal
AU - White, Richard J.
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - In this paper, I examine Foucault’s ideas concerning the care of the self. What exactly is this ideal that Foucault describes in his last two books? Do these books represent a break or a continuation with the earlier writings on knowledge and power? Most important, I consider whether the care of the self could ever be a significant ethical ideal given some of the objections that have been raised against Foucault’s position. I also look at the care of the self as the focus of Foucault’s own views on spiritual life. I argue that Foucault’s later work offers the basis for a secular or non-theistic spirituality which is especially relevant today.
AB - In this paper, I examine Foucault’s ideas concerning the care of the self. What exactly is this ideal that Foucault describes in his last two books? Do these books represent a break or a continuation with the earlier writings on knowledge and power? Most important, I consider whether the care of the self could ever be a significant ethical ideal given some of the objections that have been raised against Foucault’s position. I also look at the care of the self as the focus of Foucault’s own views on spiritual life. I argue that Foucault’s later work offers the basis for a secular or non-theistic spirituality which is especially relevant today.
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U2 - 10.1007/s10746-014-9331-3
DO - 10.1007/s10746-014-9331-3
M3 - Article
VL - 37
SP - 489
EP - 504
JO - Human Studies
JF - Human Studies
SN - 0163-8548
IS - 4
ER -