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Abstract

This article deals with the complex sociopolitical phenomenon of power in the works by the prominent French scholar of the 20th century Michel Foucault. Such a research is very important as people in modern Russia, which, according to the author, is a transition country, have a special attitude to power. Besides, Foucault’s work has unlocked great potential for the study of public institutions and the nature of power as such. The author highlights Foucault’s special approach suggesting that, when exploring the concept of power, the notion of the subject of study should be extended. The paper also focuses on Foucault’s idea that power must not be understood in the legal sense only. Further, the article provides an overview of the major periods in Foucault’s work and shows the evolution of his philosophical views on the nature of power. In addition, the key problems set by him that have to be resolved in order to understand power are identified: the origins of power, its institutions and nature. The author also analyses Foucault’s criticism of stereotypes about power in general and government in particular. Subordination, wielding, localization, legitimacy – these signs of power, which previously had been associated with the state, were reviewed by the French philosopher and presented from a completely different perspective. In addition, the paper looks at the last period of Foucault’s work, which includes not only his The History of Sexuality: The Will to Knowledge, but also innumerable materials (lectures, diaries), which, according to Foucault’s will, were never published. Moreover, particular attention is paid to the concept of powerknowledge, developed and presented by Michel Foucault.

Keywords

References

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