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Single Idea 7425

[from 'Ethics of the Concern for Self as Freedom' by Michel Foucault, in 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power ]

Full Idea

The problem is not to dissolve power relations in a utopia of transparent communications, but to acquire the rules of law, the management techniques, the morality, the practice of the self, that allows games of power with minimum domination.

Gist of Idea

The aim is not to eliminate power relations, but to reduce domination

Source

Michel Foucault (Ethics of the Concern for Self as Freedom [1984], p.298)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 I: Ethics', ed/tr. Rabinow,Paul [Penguin 1994], p.298


A Reaction

If you are a democrat it is hard to disagree with this, though I am still unclear why being dominated should rank as a total disaster. A healthy personal relationship might involve domination. 'Management techniques' is interesting.