The History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault

The History of Sexuality

by Michel Foucault

Why we are so fascinated with sex and sexuality—from the preeminent philosopher of the 20th century.

Michel Foucault offers an iconoclastic exploration of why we feel compelled to continually analyze and discuss sex, and of the social and mental mechanisms of power that cause us to direct the questions of what we are to what our sexuality is.

Reviewed by celinenyx on

4 of 5 stars

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Foucault is a fascinating thinker, and I like how he often goes against conventional thinking to turn arguments on their heads. His broad historical foundation leads to interesting commentary on how sexuality and power have been connected throughout the ages. However, especially towards the end, I found he would often make sweeping statements without any concrete examples of what he meant. Though in general I don't mind having a certain distance from source material, Foucault often stretches that boundary to the point where one can wonder how his arguments even relate to historical reality.

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  • Started reading
  • 9 April, 2017: Finished reading
  • 9 April, 2017: Reviewed