ARTSSCI 1A06 Chapter Notes - Chapter Foucault: Michel Foucault, Erotic Art, Sodium Hydride
14 Aug 2020
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"history of sexuality" part i ("we other victorians"), michel foucault. "history of sexuality" part iii ("scientia sexualis"), michel foucault. Modern west reverses the terms of the ars erotica. It is deeply suspicious of the idea that sexual knowledge can be obtained through practice. Foucault emphasizes that we need to understand notions of truth to be historical i. e. , as social constructs that emerge under a complex set of historical circumstances. Foucault"s historical treatment of sexuality does not aim to refute science or scientific findings, but instead seeks to show that science is always wrapped up with power. Because knowledge and power are always linked, any discourse on truth, or scientific practice (like the scientia sexualis), or set of esoteric techniques (the ars erotica) is inherently political. Sex isn"t repressed, we know it"s repressed so we don"t talk about it. Of capitalism; not talking about sex makes us more productive, economically. Critical discourse around sex has become a power mechanism.
