| I focus upon the question of whether Foucault's philosophy is compatible with basic liberal democratic practices. I examine Foucault's concepts of power and struggle, arguing that Foucault has a great deal of insight into modern societies but that his notion of resistance is deeply illiberal. I describe, however, other strands within his thought that are compatible with liberal democracy. These strands are especially in the forefront of his later works. Although several prominent scholars have responded to Foucault's work by arguing for a new understanding of rights, I argue that the notion of Foucaultian rights is incoherent. I defend extended democratic practices as a proper response to Foucault's insights on power. Because of his convincing description of modern societies as marked by an increasingly meticulous control of persons, the best and perhaps only way for persons to achieve freedom is through having a greater say in how one is governed. |
