Foucault, Truth, Discipline and Punish Research Paper

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Although Foucault acknowledges that people are in constant search for knowledge, he also emphasizes the fact that knowledge is not the same thing as accepting a universal truth. Moreover, knowledge produces even more confusion because it makes matters more complex and because it brings on new concepts that individuals need to consider before accepting an idea as being universally true. Knowledge actually "ceaselessly multiplies the risk, creates dangers in every area; it breaks down illusory defenses" (Foucault 387). As a consequence, it would be wrong for someone to consider that performing an in-depth study of a particular issue is likely to generate positive results regarding the respective issue and to demonstrate that it is actually possible to accept a universal truth.

In spite of the fact that society considers to have great power, it is unable to control the natural world and it is thus unable to agree with regard to a universal truth. Foucault thus considers that people need to realize their powerlessness and refrain from trying to reach a point that cannot possibly be achieved. The French philosopher even highlights the fact that it is relatively dangerous for one to attempt to find a universal truth, as the respective individual is probable to try to influence others in agreeing to him simply because he or she is attempting to find support.

One of the things that people are probable to achieve during their search for universal truth is self-discovery. In spite of the fact that Foucault's "Discipline and Punishment" promotes the belief that there is no universal truth (as long not in the sphere of human knowledge), the French philosopher does not hesitate to relate to this concept as being particularly useful for individuals who want to learn more in regard to themselves and in regard to society as a whole.

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It is likely that Foucault considered that finding a universal truth was not as important as experiencing positive results during the struggle to get to it. From his perspective, individuals would come across a series of innovative concepts that are probable to assist them personally and society in general as a consequence of getting actively involved in discovering a universal truth. Furthermore, Foucault considered that the issue of a universal truth was particularly dangerous and that individuals risked greatly by getting engaged in discussing it. Many individuals actually risked having their thinking governed by the respective truth instead of being freed as a result of discovering it.

All things considered, Foucault focused on providing the masses with the simple fact that universal truths do not exist. He used socio-historical contexts with the purpose of demonstrating that ideas that some perceived as universal truths could change their meaning through time. By employing this strategy, Foucault wanted to emphasize that it was wrong for individual to concentrate on finding universal truths as long as many could refute their theories on account of the fact that they are in disagreement with their interpretation of the subject under discussion......

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