The Foucault Effect

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This volume is a sequel to Power/Knowledge, based on Michel Foucault's lectures at the Collège de France in 1978 and 1979, and his 1977 interview on imprisonment. Foucault explores governmental rationalities, examining government as both a contemporary practice and a historical phenomenon, highlighting how governmentality has been conceptualized and enacted. His insights into political discourse and governmentality are complemented by essays from esteemed scholars influenced by Foucault's work. They delve into various modern forms of government, such as state reasoning, police functions, liberalism, security, social economy, insurance, solidarity, welfare, and risk management. A central theme is that government is not an instinctive or natural phenomenon but rather an invention shaped by historical contexts. The collection also investigates the relationship between governmental practices and criticism, suggesting that critique can drive meaningful change and inspire new practices. This unique anthology of articles and primary materials paves the way for renewed discussions on Foucault's contributions and the implications for liberalism, social policy, and insurance.