Foucault Contra Habermas: Knowledge and Power

摘要: Both Habermas and Foucault are concerned about the domination of scientific knowledges in modern western societies. They critique science so as to open up space for other knowledges. Despite these similarities, kinds they carry out differ from each a fundamental way. This paper examines differences their approaches knowledge power. I suggest that Habermas's can be considered terms juridical model which is guided by question how submit rules right. ' For him, when operates within limits its own domain, it seen lawful, legitimate; transgresses boundary invades domains others, unlawful, illegitimate. In words, unproblematic according portraying an internal relation between reason science, discourse further represents itself unproblematic. While may lend formation ideologies fall prey power, not regarded internally linked but rather truth reason. Foucault's analysis, contend, strategic focuses much on right, mechanisms through power effects produced.2 Instead fixing legitimacy or asking what proper domain certain knowledge, role production From this perspective, he sees one hand, produces produce effects. That is, there mutual Nevertheless, ask: novelty analysis could have overlooked certainly aware fact late capitalist societies, lends support state thus On would deny might encourage development serve domination, hence power's knowledge. If blind challenges does pose Habermas? argue very different views ways relates order see work poses theory, has look more closely into When says "power knowledge," his point simply external force, encourages applying using purpose. shows constitutes condition possibility Similarly, part totality means exercised, treat those produced. form without possible. contrast Habermas, demonstrates than false It true truth, implies The problem no longer falsehood ideology, truth. work, therefore, only problematizes also problematized, if we going do with truth? essay shall first discuss Then examine power-knowledge critique. …