Single Idea 15040

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power]

Full Idea

Power in Western capitalism was denounced by the Marxists as class domination; but the mechanics of power in themselves were never analysed.

Gist of Idea

Marxists denounced power as class domination, but never analysed its mechanics

Source

Michel Foucault (Truth and Power (interview) [1976], p.117)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 3: Power', ed/tr. Faubion,J [Penguin 2002], p.117


A Reaction

This seems to pinpoint Foucault's distinctive contribution to political thought, and it makes him one of the most interesting thinkers in the area. It is a good approach to history, but also to the role of power as a background to conventional thought.