One of Foucault’s most famous claims is that “Western man has become a confessing animal (bête d'aveu)” (Foucault, 1978, page 59). It is also one of his most misunderstood. This paper traces the evolution in Foucault’s use of confession (confession) and avowal (aveu) in his early work with two general objectives in mind: first, to obtain a better picture of the evolution of Foucault’s own thinking, particularly the roots of his better-known late work on these issues; and second, contribute towards the analytical development of these two concepts in and beyond Foucault’s own work.
Confession and Avowal in Foucault's early work, 1954-1972
Teti G
2019-01-01
Abstract
One of Foucault’s most famous claims is that “Western man has become a confessing animal (bête d'aveu)” (Foucault, 1978, page 59). It is also one of his most misunderstood. This paper traces the evolution in Foucault’s use of confession (confession) and avowal (aveu) in his early work with two general objectives in mind: first, to obtain a better picture of the evolution of Foucault’s own thinking, particularly the roots of his better-known late work on these issues; and second, contribute towards the analytical development of these two concepts in and beyond Foucault’s own work.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.