Tracing the Self: Foucault's Genealogy and the Evolution of Subjectivity From Ancient Practices to Digital Frontiers
Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Ideology and Politics Journal
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
This paper critically examines the interplay between the ethical constitution of subjectivity and the notion of truth in Michel Foucault's political oeuvre, with a specific focus on the technologies of the self. Employing a comprehensive genealogical approach, the study delves into various technologies of the self, unraveling the complex models of knowledge and power they embody. This investigation illuminates key socio-historical shifts, revealing nuanced dynamics in the relationships between subject, self, truth, and power that extend beyond the traditional focus on the disciplined subject of modernity. A unique contribution of this work lies in its exploration of the methodological significance of technologies of the self within contemporary political philosophy, considering not only historical perspectives but also the implications of digital hyperconnectivity and gamified self-technologies. By examining strategies of resistance and freedom, the paper underscores the potential of these technologies as tools for both empowerment and surveillance, presenting a multifaceted view of self-constitution in the digital era. In its analysis, the paper integrates insights from recent scholarship, including the ethical dimensions of technological mediation and the concept of ‘quantified otherness,’ thereby enriching the understanding of how the technologies of the self-shape and are shaped by socio-technological systems. The paper aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about power, resistance, and the ethical constitution of subjectivity in contemporary political philosophy, highlighting the relevance of Foucault's work in the context of emerging technologies and evolving social norms.
DOI Link
ISSN
Issue
1(25)
First Page
7
Last Page
28
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Critical Theory, Foucault, Power, Resistance, Technologies of Self
Scopus ID
Recommended Citation
Nikolakakis, Nikolaos V., "Tracing the Self: Foucault's Genealogy and the Evolution of Subjectivity From Ancient Practices to Digital Frontiers" (2024). All Works. 6753.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/6753
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
no