Power of institutions: Foucault

From Geography

In this video a discussion between Noah Chompsky and Michel Foucault is shown. They debate about the power of institutions.

In this discussion Chompsky, an American philosopher and politican, clarifies that human beings, because of the setting of our society are able to use their creativity at free will. Thus, Chompsky claims that human beings are able to reach self prepared goals.

Foucault, however, argues that in our society, power is exercised through the state (political power), not by human beings themselves but through local governments and other institutions. Institutions transmit the orders. One of these institutions Foucault mentions is the educational system which in his view has the power to both include and exclude certain classes and groups of people from this power: knowledge. Another institution that is discussed is psychiatry, which according to Foucault is also a way to implement a political power to a particular social group. Also justice is a way of implementing political power. The point he makes in this video is that institutions appear neutral and independent, yet they do exercise political power.

Watch this video:

Part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj2VJ7oexKc

Part 2 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdMEn2vXoCM

Another useful link is [1], where the debate between Noam Chompsky Michel Foucault about Human Nature: Justice versus Power is fully registered.

Published by Sabrina Willems

Edited and link added by Peter de Boer (4119711) Oktober 2011.