more from Michel Foucault

Single Idea 7422

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 2. Self as Social Construct]

Full Idea

The subject is not a substance but a form, which is not always identical to itself. You do not have the same relation to yourself when you go to vote and when you seek to fulfil your desires in a sexual relationship.

Gist of Idea

A subject is a form which can change, in (say) political or sexual situations

Source

Michel Foucault (Ethics of the Concern for Self as Freedom [1984], p.290)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 I: Ethics', ed/tr. Rabinow,Paul [Penguin 1994], p.290


A Reaction

I don't think I believe this. If it were true, the concept of 'sexual politics' would mean nothing to me. A brutal or sympathetic nature is likely to express itself in both situations.