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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Michel Foucault

French philosopher and writer
French philosopher and writer

Michel Foucault was a French philosopher and writer known for his theories on power and knowledge. His work has influenced various academic fields.

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1926-06-15
Birth of Michel Foucault

Michel Foucault, originally named Paul-Michel Foucault, was born in 1926 in Poitiers, France. His upbringing and family background, particularly his parents' medical professions, influenced his later critical examination of medical discourses.

1926-10-15
Birth of Michel Foucault

Michel Foucault, a French philosopher and historian, was born in Poitiers, France. He became one of the most influential and controversial scholars of the post-World War II period.

1945
Enrollment at Lycée Henri-IV in Paris

In 1945, Michel Foucault enrolled at Lycée Henri-IV in Paris, one of the country's most prestigious secondary schools, where he studied under the philosopher Jean Hyppolite and was influenced by existentialist theories and the work of Hegel and Marx.

1946
Michel Foucault enters École Normale Supérieure

In 1946, Michel Foucault entered the École Normale Supérieure, which was a renowned institution for French philosophers. This marked the beginning of his education in a philosophical environment influenced by existential phenomenology.

1948
Michel Foucault's Suicide Attempt

In 1948, Michel Foucault attempted suicide and was later admitted to Hôpital Sainte-Anne. This event had a significant impact on his life and influenced his later studies and works.

1950
Joining the French Communist Party

In 1950, Foucault joined the French Communist Party under the influence of philosopher Louis Althusser, but later distanced himself due to the party's bigotry and his personal experiences of homophobia and anti-semitism.

1951
Start of Doctorate in Philosophy of Psychology

After completing his studies at the École Normale Supérieure, Michel Foucault began his doctorate in the philosophy of psychology in 1951.

1952
Relinquishing doctorate at Fondation Thiers

In 1952, Foucault decided to abandon his doctorate at Fondation Thiers after just one year, focusing on the philosophy of psychology.

1953
Immersion in Nietzsche's Untimely Meditations

In August 1953, Foucault immersed himself in Friedrich Nietzsche's Untimely Meditations during a holiday in Italy. He considered Nietzsche's work a revelation and a significant influence on his life.

1954
Publication of Mental Illness and Personality

Foucault's first monograph, Mental Illness and Personality, was published in 1954. The book explores the relationship between mental illness and capitalism, drawing from perspectives such as evolutionary psychology, psychoanalysis, phenomenology, and Marxism.

1956
Breakup with Barraqué

In spring 1956, Barraqué ended his relationship with Foucault, expressing his desire to leave the 'vertigo of madness'.

1958-10
Arrival in Warsaw

In October 1958, Foucault arrived in Warsaw, Poland at the request of Georges Dumézil and took charge of the University of Warsaw's Centre Français.

1959-06
Death of Paul-André Foucault

Paul-André Foucault, father of Michel Foucault and an eminent surgeon, passed away in 1959. The strained relationship between father and son, influenced by their differing career aspirations, persisted until Paul-André's death.

1960-10
Appointment at University of Clermont-Ferrand

In October 1960, Foucault took a tenured post in philosophy at the University of Clermont-Ferrand, where he later became responsible for teaching psychology and developed friendships with colleagues.

1961-05-20
Public Defense of Doctoral Thesis

On 20 May 1961, Michel Foucault underwent his public defense of his doctoral thesis, facing concerns about the unconventional nature of his major thesis but ultimately being awarded his doctorate.

1962
Georges Bataille's Influence on Foucault

Foucault's fascination with French avant-garde literature, particularly the works of Georges Bataille.

1963-03
Criticism by Jacques Derrida

In March 1963, young philosopher Jacques Derrida criticized Foucault's work 'Folie et déraison' for advocating metaphysics, leading to a bitter rivalry between the two.

1963-05
Publication of 'Naissance de la Clinique'

In May 1963, Foucault published 'Naissance de la Clinique', a sequel to 'Folie et déraison', focusing on the changes in the medical establishment in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

1964
Publication of 'Madness and Civilization'

In 1964, Michel Foucault's work 'Madness and Civilization' was published in abridged form as his first notable book. The book is considered a work of structuralism and was strongly influenced by his teacher Louis Althusser.

1966-04
Publication of Foucault's Les Mots et les Choses

In April 1966, Gallimard published Foucault's Les Mots et les Choses (Words and Things), later translated as The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences. The book explored the concept of man as an object of knowledge and how the conditions of truth in scientific discourse have evolved over time.

1966-09
Foucault's Teaching Position at University of Tunis

In September 1966, Foucault took a teaching position at the University of Tunis in Tunisia. He moved there due to his lover's posting and found popularity among students despite criticism of his perceived right-wing political views.

1967-06
Anti-Government and Pro-Palestinian Riots in Tunis

In June 1967, Foucault was in Tunis during anti-government and pro-Palestinian riots. He tried to protect his leftist students from arrest and torture, even hiding their printing press in his garden.

1968
Foucault appointed head of philosophy department at University of Paris VIII

In 1968, Michel Foucault was appointed as the head of the philosophy department at the University of Paris VIII in Vincennes, a new experimental institution. This coincided with the student revolts of 1968 and his experiences in Tunisia, prompting him to reflect on his political activities.

1969-01
Occupations and Clashes at University

In January 1969, lectures began at the university, leading to occupations and clashes between students, staff, including Foucault, and the police, resulting in arrests.

1969-02
Foucault Denounces Police Provocation

In February 1969, Foucault gave a speech at the Maison de la Mutualité denouncing police provocation towards protesters.

1970
Election to the Collège de France

In 1970, Michel Foucault was elected as a professor of the history of systems of thought at the prestigious Collège de France. This title was conceptualized by Foucault himself, marking a significant recognition of his scholarly contributions.

1971-05
Co-founding of Groupe d'Information sur les Prisons (GIP)

In May 1971, Foucault co-founded the GIP with the aim of investigating and exposing poor prison conditions in France.

1971-11
Leading Figure in Anti-Racist Protests

In November 1971, Foucault played a prominent role in protests against the perceived racist killing of Arab migrant Djellali Ben Ali.

1972
Archaeology Of Knowledge 2nd Edition

The second edition of the book 'Archaeology of Knowledge' was published in 1972.

1974
Publication of the first volume of History of Sexuality

In 1974, Michel Foucault published the first volume of his multi-volume work History of Sexuality, subtitled An Introduction. This marked the beginning of his exploration of the Western subject's understanding of the self as a sexual being.

1975-04
Surveiller et Punir

The book 'Surveiller et Punir' by Michel Foucault explores the history of punishment and surveillance in society.

1976
The History Of Sexuality

Published in 1976, 'The History Of Sexuality' is a seminal work by Michel Foucault exploring the evolution of the concept of sexuality and its relation to power structures.

1977
Language, Counter-Memory, Practice

In 1977, Michel Foucault published a collection of essays under the title 'Language, Counter-Memory, Practice'. The book explores the relationship between language, power, and resistance in various historical contexts.

1978-06
SexualitäT Und Wahrheit

The German translation of Michel Foucault's lectures at the Collège de France in 1976, focusing on the history of sexuality and the relationship between power and sexuality.

1979
Foucault delivers lectures on neoliberal governmentality

In 1979, Michel Foucault delivered lectures on neoliberal governmentality as part of The Birth of Biopolitics series. His analysis of neoliberalism has been highly influential in contemporary political theory, with many considering it as the beginning of the dominance of neoliberal economic policy in Europe and the United States.

1980
PowerKnowledge

In 1980, Michel Foucault delivered a series of lectures at the Collège de France, which were later published as 'PowerKnowledge', examining the intricate relationship between power and knowledge.

1981
English translation of L’ordre du discours

In 1981, an English translation of 'L’ordre du discours' was included in Robert Young's 'Untying the Text: A Post-Structuralist Reader' published by Routledge & Kegan Paul.

1982
The Government Of Self and Others

A series of lectures by Michel Foucault where he discusses the relationship between governance of oneself and governance of others.

1983
Publication of Michel Foucault: Beyond Structuralism and Hermeneutics

In 1983, Hubert L. Dreyfus and Paul Rabinow published 'Michel Foucault: Beyond Structuralism and Hermeneutics', a significant work that analyzes the philosophical ideas of Michel Foucault.

1984-06-25
Foucault's death

Michel Foucault passed away on June 25, 1984, at the Hôpital de la Salpêtrière in Paris due to complications from HIV/AIDS.

1984-06-26
Death of Michel Foucault

Michel Foucault passed away in Paris on June 26, 1984, due to an AIDS-related illness. His death marked the end of an era in the field of philosophy and social theory.

1984-06-29
Foucault's funeral ceremony

On June 29, 1984, Foucault's funeral ceremony was held, attended by hundreds including activists and academic friends.

1985
Publication of 'The Use of Pleasure'

Foucault referred to sex for the Greeks as a significant aspect of the 'aesthetics of existence', emphasizing the creation of a beautiful and enjoyable life. This concept is discussed in his work 'The Use of Pleasure' published in 1985.

1986
Publication of Foucault: a Critical Reader

In 1986, the book 'Foucault: a Critical Reader' edited by David Hoy was published, providing critical insights into the works of Michel Foucault.

1987
Mental illness and psychology

Foucault studied mental illness and psychology, exploring the relationship between the two. He delved into the concept of self-constitution and the ethics of one's relation to oneself.

1988
Influence on Feminist Philosophy and Queer Theory

Foucault's writings, particularly 'The History of Sexuality', have played a crucial role in shaping feminist philosophy and queer theory, emphasizing the intersection of power, sexuality, and gender.

1989
Michel Foucault’s Archaeology of Scientific Reason

The definitive volume on Foucault’s archaeological period, focusing on his views on scientific reason and philosophy of science.

1990
Michel Foucault’s Force of Flight: Toward An Ethics for Thought

In 1990, James William Bernauer published a book titled 'Michel Foucault’s Force of Flight: Toward An Ethics for Thought'. The book explores the concept of ethics in the works of Michel Foucault.

1991
Publication of Michel Foucault by Didier Eribon

The book 'Michel Foucault' by Didier Eribon was published in 1991. It provides insights into the life and work of the influential philosopher Michel Foucault.

1992
Foucault’s Nietzschean Genealogy: Truth, Power, and the Subject

Michael Mahon's work explores the philosophical connections between Nietzsche and Foucault, focusing on truth, power, and the subject.

1993
Publication of The Passion of Michel Foucault

In 1993, James Miller published 'The Passion of Michel Foucault' in New York under Simon & Schuster. The book explores the life and ideas of the influential French philosopher Michel Foucault.

1994
Publication of The Lives of Michel Foucault

David Macey's book 'The Lives of Michel Foucault' was published in 1994, offering insights into the life and work of Michel Foucault.

1995
Michel Foucault: Critical Assessments

A multi-volume critical assessment of Michel Foucault's work, edited by Barry Smart.

1996
Foucault and Political Reason. Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Rationalities of Government

In 1996, Andrew Barry, Thomas Osborne, and Nikolas Rose edited a book titled 'Foucault and Political Reason. Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Rationalities of Government'. The book delves into the intersection of liberalism, neo-liberalism, and government rationalities in the context of Michel Foucault's ideas.

1997
Publication of Foucault and His Interlocutors

In 1997, Arnold Davidson edited 'Foucault and His Interlocutors', a book that delves into the intellectual exchanges and dialogues involving Michel Foucault.

1998
Hans-Ulrich Wehler criticizes Foucault

In 1998, historian Hans-Ulrich Wehler harshly criticized Michel Foucault for his lack of rigor in analyses, contradictory works, and insufficient empirical historical aspects.

1999
Publication of Bodies and Pleasures: Foucault and the Politics of Sexual Normalization

Ladelle McWhorter's 'Bodies and Pleasures: Foucault and the Politics of Sexual Normalization' was published in 1999 in Bloomington by Indiana University Press.

2001
Release of Dits et Écrits, Volume 1

The first volume of Michel Foucault's collection of essays and interviews, published in 2001 by Gallimard, containing various works from 1954 to 1988.

2002
Release of Foucault and the Art of Ethics

Timothy O’Leary's 'Foucault and the Art of Ethics' was released in London in 2002 by Continuum. The book probably examines Michel Foucault's views on ethics and morality.

2003
The Essential Foucault

A compilation of essential works by Michel Foucault, edited by Paul Rabinow and Nikolas Rose, released in 2003.

2004
Michel Foucault

David Macey's concise and readable biography of Michel Foucault.

2005
Publication of Foucault on Freedom

In 2005, Johanna Oksala released 'Foucault on Freedom' through Cambridge University Press. The book delves into Michel Foucault's perspectives on freedom and its implications.

2006-05
Publication of Philosophy of Foucault

In May 2006, the book 'Philosophy of Foucault' was published in Toronto by McGill-Queens University Press.

2007
Most Cited Scholar in the Humanities

In 2007, Foucault was recognized as the most cited scholar in the humanities, showcasing the enduring impact of his works on modern scholarship.

2008
The Birth of Biopolitics

Foucault introduced the term 'governmentality' in his work, referring to the modern techniques of power that focus on the population. He later expanded the term to mean 'the way in which one conducts the conduct of men'.

2009
The Political Philosophy of Michel Foucault

Mark G. E. Kelly's book delves into the political aspects of Foucault’s philosophy from a philosophical standpoint.

2010-11
Seminar Series on Foucault’s The Government of Self and Others

A seminar series conducted during 2010-11 that delved into Michel Foucault's work 'The Government of Self and Others'. Scholars and enthusiasts explored the themes of self-government and interpersonal dynamics.

2011-05-04
May 4 2011 Colloquium: Info & Abstracts

An event that took place on May 4, 2011, focusing on a colloquium where information and abstracts related to Michel Foucault's works were discussed and shared among participants.

2012
Publication of Foucault, Politics, and Violence

In 2012, a book titled 'Foucault, Politics, and Violence' was published by an unknown author in Evanston under Northwestern University Press. The book likely discusses the intersection of politics and violence through the lens of Michel Foucault's theories.

2013
Publication of A Companion to Foucault

The book 'A Companion to Foucault' edited by Christopher Falzon, Timothy O’Leary, and Jana Sawicki was published in 2013. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the ideas of Michel Foucault.

2014
Publication of The Cambridge Foucault Lexicon

In 2014, Leonard Lawlor and John Nale published 'The Cambridge Foucault Lexicon', a comprehensive reference work on the concepts and themes in Michel Foucault's writings.

2015
Publication of «Qu’est-ce que la critique?» suivi de «La culture de soi»

Henri-Paul Fruchaud and Daniele published this work in 2015, exploring the concepts of critique and self-culture.

2016
Publication of Foucault and the Making of Subjects

In 2016, Laura Cremonesi, Orazio Irrera, Daniele Lorenzini, and Martina Tazziolo edited 'Foucault and the Making of Subjects', a book that explores the influence of Michel Foucault on the concept of subjectivity.

2018
Publication of Les aveux de la chair

The second volume of Michel Foucault's work, focusing on the origins of the modern notion of the subject in Christian confession, was published posthumously in 2018.

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Michel Foucault
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