Foucault -- The Key Ideas: A Teach Yourself Guide

the Key ideas

by Paul Oliver

Foucault - The Key Ideas is a concise introduction to the life, works and ideas of this ground-breaking modern philosopher. This book will not only guide you through the events of Foucault's life and help you to understand his most complex ideas with ease; it will also demonstrate the practical impact of those ideas on life today. Covering everything from Foucault's views on the philosophy and sociology of knowledge to his analysis of power and institutions in society, this book offers a fascinating insight into the legacy of this revolutionary thinker. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. TEST YOURSELF Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at to give you a richer understanding of study skills. FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Genres: Philosophy

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2010

About the author

See http://www2.hud.ac.uk/staffprofiles/s...

Reviews

[Sarah Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good, really clear introduction to the man and to his main themes and opinions. It's very easy to understand and doesn't come across as a condescending idiots' guide. It also doesn't appear to pass judgment, presenting things in a neutral manner or balancing various viewpoints.

[Fred Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a rarity for me. I almost gave up on it. The author, Paul Oliver, is a university lecturer of a very obtuse kind. The kind of person with little to say who then spends several hours saying it. Well, I slogged through it and learned that Foucault looked at the reasons for changes in society. Not wishing to be categorized into one school of thought, he was very flexible in his choice of cause and effect. To me, every researcher should and should learn from the subject they are studying. On the other hand, the pejorative for this is "Squishy". This is probably a good thing. I employ it myself but am probably to imbedded in American Stoicism not to look at this without a skeptics eye. I wasn't impressed enough to pursue studying this further.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to all of Foucault's main writings and ideas, with plenty of references for more in-depth reading.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive coverage of Foucault's oeuvre. The book is written with great clarity, making it a very accessible introduction to his work. The reader will find the topics transformative. Transformative for its insight into power, ideology, discourse, institutions, society, & the individual.

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book i think succeeded in giving the key ideas of foucault. i felt like it simplified well everything to be concise and i loved that the history was also mentioned which put foucault's ideas in context.
And now i'm interested in reading foucault's actual main work.
thanks for the author

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good answer to the dreary Existentialists, Foucault moved the ball forward after they set it down. By the ball I mean, what the hell are we supposed to do with our circumstances when they are stripped of the fantasy that philosophy so rudely dismisses?

Trust me, you don't want to read Sartre and Camus and Nietzsche and just stop there.

Foucault is a good step forward afterwards, analyzing the way institutions, language, and norms shape and restrict our thinking by implying boundaries. Some of what he dissects is almost like a precursor to neuro-linguistic programming and embedded commands.

It's one of those books you read and, immediately after finishing, shudder at the thought of going through the world without being aware of some of these ideas. As Robert Greene said, power is amoral; it simply exists - so you might as well learn what you can about how it works rather than being blind to it or pretending it isn't real.

[Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of these series. This book is a worthwhile introduction to Foucault. Although it is very basic, it makes Foucault and his arguments easy to access. The language of the book is clear, simple, and allows the reader to make his or her own opinions about the concepts he/she is being introduced to without feeling too intimidated.

[Xiomara Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to understand Foucault without reading him! Just kidding. The information is reduced to its simplest terms and elaborated on. Still a lot of heavy material to digest but a great way to clear up some ideas that can be confusing by reading Foucault's writing.

[Sue Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really clear and straightforward guide to Foucault the man and his main ideas. Made me realise just how much his ideas have influenced me without actually reading him - I guess that is the point of Foucault. Feel confident to go on and read the man himself with this overview to guide me.

[Ariz Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really Foucault for Dummies. Interesting read nonetheless.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked this book