Theories of subjectivity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Theories of subjectivity - Essay ExampleFoucault rejected centuries-old assumptions concerning subjectivity. Rather than starting with the sagacity ideal of full self-knowledge and self-aware agency, Foucault shifts the critical focus onto discourse, a broad concept that he uses to refer to language and other forms of representation indeed, all human race mechanisms for the conveyance of meaning and value. (Hall 2004, p. 91)In an attempt to illustrate some analogies regarding Foucaults concept of discourse, Tony Davies (1997) compared his notions with other theorists. According to him, discourse for Foucault is what the relations of productions are for Marx, the unconscious for Freud, the electroneutral laws of language for Saussure, ideology for Althusser the capillary structure of social cohesion and conformity. (p. 70)This paper is about Judith Butlers response to Foucaults theory of subjectivity. Particularly our tidings will revolve around the premise of gender identity, wh ich is Butlers own response to Foucaults automobile trunk as the main driver fucking subjectivity. Butler used Foucaults notions extensively, either as a basis for her own notions or to criticize its weak assumptions.Michel Foucault, is one with eminent philosophers such as Nietzsche and Freud in his insight that the body has a key role in determining subjectivity. For Foucault, a living body is a constellation of powerful and practically conflicting urges and impulses that give rise to different forms of subjectivity according to the organisms internal organization and the disciplinary effects of socially regulated practices and norms. (Atkins 2005, p. 3)Foucault regards the body as having a pivotal role in the structuring of our subjectivities, our perceptions and our understanding. And so, Foucaults subject is neither entire autonomous nor enslaved, neither the originator of the discourses and practices