A Study of Foucault's Rational Criticism——Being Centered on Madness and Civilization
Since the Enlightenment,the reflection and criticism of rationality has been the theme of the times.With the emergence of modernity,there was a voice calling for criticism of the rational spirit and the principle of subjectivity.Foucault's thought of rational criticism is the contemporary echo of this trend of thought.In his book Madness and Civilization,Foucault combs the whole history of madness since the end of the Middle Ages with his unique archaeological method,and divides it into three forms based on the actual living conditions of the madness group,namely,the relaxed wandering life in the Renaissance,the imprisoned life in the classical period and the silent life in the modern psychiatric hospital.He points out the fact that reason has long suppressed the marginalized groups of society,and reveals the essence of exclusion of reason.Further,Foucault discriminates and analyzes the relationship between madness and rationality.In his view,it was based on the constant suppression and exclusion of social irrational factors that rationality has gained the absolute subjectivity status in modern society,and thus launched the reflection and criticism of the enlightenment rationality itself,realizing the suspicion and negation of the subjectivity of rationality.For us at this stage,we must deeply understand the contemporary significance of Foucault's thought of rational criticism,always adhere to the dialectical view of understanding and treating rationality,and constantly cultivate a sound personality and create a better life.
Foucaultrational criticismMadness and Civilization
万方数据
