more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 15044

[filed under theme 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 4. Uses of Truth ]

Full Idea

'Truth' is to be understood as a system of ordered procedures for the production, regulation, distribution, circulation, and operation of statements.

Gist of Idea

'Truth' is the procedures for controlling which statements are acceptable

Source

Michel Foucault (Truth and Power (interview) [1976], p.132)

Book Ref

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 3: Power', ed/tr. Faubion,J [Penguin 2002], p.132


A Reaction

Foucault is not absurdly relativist about this, but I don't think I agree, even in his terms. In a sexually prudish culture, blunt sexual truths are clearly true to everyone, but totally unacceptable. Society shudders when unacceptable truths are spoken.